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F.NGEAVEH BY J.SARTAHSJ. FHIL A 



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[PRICE 25 CENTS.] 
A 



CHRISTIAN MERCHANT. 



A MEMOIR 



OF 



JAMES C. CBA NE 



BY 



J. L. BURROWS, D.D.; 
w 

PASTOR OP FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, RICHMOND, VA. 



oP YR, C/y; 



</*W^f 



d 



CHARLE«iON T , S. C: 
SOUTHERN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY. 

FOR SALE BY 

WORTHAM AND COTTRELL, RICHMOND. J. DE LOACHE, MACON. 

M. BURNS, SELMA. G. W. BAINES, ANDERSON, TEXAS. 

1858. 






This memoir has been written not as a mere grateful 
eulogy of a departed friend, but with a sincere desire 
of doing good to the living. It is intended to furnish 
another illustration and example of the great principle, 
that men, actively engaged in necessary secular affairs, 
may be, while " not slothful in business, fervent in spirit 
serving the Lord." 

To the disciples of Jesus who " seek first the king- 
dom of God," and especially to merchants and active 
business men, this biographical sketch of one who 
adorned and dignified an industrial vocation, by prose- 
cuting it in subservience to the glory of God, is affec- 
tionately dedicated, by 

The Writer. 

Richmond, April 1, 1858. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by the 

Southern Baptist Publication Society, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of 

South Carolina. 



MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 



HIS ANCESTORS AND BIRTH. 

Among the original settlers of trie city of New- 
ark, N. J., in the year 1666, were Jasper Crane 
and Benjamin Baldwin. They transmitted to their 
descendants honorable and unblemished names. 
They were the lineal progenitors of James C. Crane. 

His father, in early manhood, enlisted in the 
army of the Revolution, and at the very outset 
of the war lost all his possessions. The energy 
and industry that might have gathered wealth 
about the nucleus of the paternal inheritance, 
were devoted to the maintenance of the liberties 
of his country. Descent from a soldier of the 
Revolution, made poor and kept poor by his pat- 
riotism, is surely more honorable in this land, than 
descent from the noble and the rich. 

James, the youngest of nine children, was born 
in Newark, on the 7th of September, 1803. While 
he was still young, his father died. His widowed 
mother — a godly woman, a constituent member 
of the First Baptist Church in Newark, organized 
in 1802 — watched over his childhood with pious 



4 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

and prayerful solicitude. The impressions en- 
stamped upon his forming mind by her counsels 
and prayers were never erased, and he loved to 
tell how much he owed to the moulding influence 
of a mother's piety. To minister to her comfort, 
even while still a lad, at whatever sacrifice to 
himself, was a pleasure; and to provide for her 
wants during her declining years, and up to the 
time of her death, in 1829, was the grateful duty 
of his early manhood. 

His eldest sister, too — a sincere and intelligent 
Christian, the wife of Mr. Josiah Johnson, a farmer 
in the vicinity of Newark — long exercised a most 
salutary influence over him. 

The following extracts from a letter written to 
the son of this beloved sister, upon receiving the 
intelligence of her death, in August 1840, expresses 
the obligations he felt for her early counsels, as 
well as the earnest piety of his own spirit. 

"There is no earthly relative left, toward whom 
I felt as towards her; none to whom I felt under 
such obligations as to her. I have frequently said 
— and felt it sincerely — that she had been a 
mother to me when I was helpless; and while 
memory lives in my bosom, I cannot fail to revere 
her memory, and cherish a strong regard for her 
many virtues. I know, too, that our love was re- 
ciprocal. I lived so long in the family that I seemed 
like one of her own children. But so it is; our 
strongest attachments in this world must be sep- 



EARLY TRAINING. 

arated from their dearest objects. The chords of 
affection, that entwine our hearts most closely, 
must be sundered. 

It becomes us to listen to the admonition which 
this dispensation speaks — 'Be ye also ready ' — 
May our Heavenly Father sanctify this to our 
spiritual good." 

The house of this sister was his home, during 
the period of his boyhood, and the labors of the 
farm occupied his early years. The sentiments 
which she sought to incorporate with his earliest 
associations, and to which he often gratefully 
referred in subsequent life, "were such as these : 
"Learn to be independent;" "Never lean on any- 
body;" "Command the respect of others, by de- 
serving it;" "Never fail to fulfil an obligation;" 
" Disdain all subterfuges ; " " Adhere conscienti- 
ously to truth and right ; " " Above all, make the 
Bible your constant study and guide." 

Apothegms like these were illustrated in the 
whole course of his life, demonstrating the value 
of such early lessons and influences*. Acting from 
such principles, he became the leader of the school, 
both in sports and in studies, in his youth, and a 
self-reliant, prompt and upright man in later years. 
His matured judgment approved his sister's les- 
sons, and he always spoke of her with profound 
respect and ardent affection. The spirit of cheer- 
ful and industrious independence, thus early incul- 
cated, he always cherished. While grateful for 
1* 



b MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

favors shown, not even his dearest friends would 
he permit to confer an obligation without improv- 
ing the earliest opportunity to repay it in some 
ample equivalent, often with compound interest. 

In the fourteenth year of his age he made the 
solemn decision which gave character to his whole 
subsequent life, for time, and, as we believe, for 
eternity. Instructed in the truths of God's word, 
and yielding to the drawing influences of the Holy 
Spirit, he consecrated himself, soul and body, to 
the service of his Redeemer. We know not that 
there was anything peculiar in his early spiritual 
experience. He knew that he was a sinner in 
the sight of God ; he came to feel and mourn over 
it, and in penitence and self-abhorrence, to desire 
deliverance from the condemnation and guilt of 
sin. He had been taught the way of salvation 
through the sacrifice and mediation of Jesus Christ. 
He implicitly believed these teachings, and in con- 
fiding faith committed his soul to his Redeemer, 
and devoted heart and life, to a loving obedience 
of his commands. Forty years of steadfast piety 
attested the genuineness and thoroughness of this 
early conversion. He soon made a public profes- 
sion of his faith in Christ, and allegiance to Him, 
and in March, 1817, was baptized by Rev. David 
Jones, and admitted to the fellowship of the First 
Baptist Church in Newark. 

We find the following allusions to this period 
of his conversion in a letter written to his sister 
in November, 1820, — when in the seventeenth 



A SISTERS INFLUENCE. 7 

year of his age, and soon after his arrival in Rich- 
mond : — 

" I am gad to hear that you have full meetings 
in Newark, sometimes. In the prayer meetings 
in this place you will seldom see more than ten 
or twelve, and sometimes not more than half that 
number. But we hope we realize the promise of 
the Lord; ' where two or three are met together 
in my name, there am I in the midst.' We feel as 
though the Lord was with us indeed, and as though 
these little meetings were the very gate of heaven 
to our souls. Some Christians do not hold to 
prayer meetings, but they seem strange christians 
to me. If ever I was called from nature's dark- 
ness into the marvellous light of the gospel, if 
ever I was awakened to a sense of my lost state 
as a sinner ; if ever I felt the necessity for a Sa- 
viour to screen me from the just vengeance of God 
due me as a transgressor of His holy law, and if 
ever the blood of that Saviour who hung on Cal- 
vary and bled for the sins of His people was 
applied as balm to my wounded soul, these feel- 
ings first originated in a prayer meeting, where a 
small number of God's people met together to 
pray for the prosperity Zion." 

REMOVAL TO RICHMOND, VA. 

His eldest brother, Mr. William Crane, some 
thirteen years his senior, settled in Richmond, Va., 



S MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

In 1812, and commenced business as a dealer in 
leather. In 1819 he invited his brother James to 
a clerkship in his store, who, in November of that 
year, removed to Richmond. 

Behold a lad, sixteen years of age, with a simple 
common school education, far from the home of 
his childhood, severed from the restraining, pious 
influences that had so sedulously watched and 
guided his steps, with buoyant impulses and ardent 
affections, exposed to the temptations of city life, 
new and ever attractive to the youthful heart, 
and shall we not tremble for his steadfastness 
and integrity? In all our commercial cities, thou- 
sands have been wrecked amid such snares, and 
have been sadly laid in an early grave, or have 
dragged themselves through a subsequent life of 
debasement, poverty, and often, of crime. 

UNION WITH THE CHURCH IN RICHMOND. 

James C. Crane wisely, voluntarily fettered his 
own feet that they should not run in the alluring 
paths of folly, dissipation and vice, and yielded 
his heart to the counter attractions of piety and 
benevolence. He promptly secured a letter of 
dismission from the church in Newark, and united 
with the band of Christians who had just organ- 
ized the Second Baptist Church in Bichmond, of 
which Bev. David Boper, and subsequently, Bev. 
James B. Taylor, was pastor. "We need scarcely 
say that such a step afforded the surest safeguard 



INTEREST IN THE CHURCH. 9 

against temptation, and gave the most auspicious 
promise of a life of integrity and usefulness. It 
is sadly true that even this sometimes fails to en- 
sure a manhood of respectability and virtue, for 
the strongest ties that bind the depravity of hu- 
manity may be broken; but infidelity itself must 
be conscious that if the restraints which christian 
associations impose upon man's evil propensities, 
— if the motives to purity which the pulpit and 
the church furnish, — are not sufficient to arrest evil 
predispositions and confirm virtuous principles, then 
in this world of ours there is nothing that can pro- 
mise such results. When these prove inefficient, 
human wisdom has nothing to recommend in sub- 
stitution of them. 

We perceive, then, in the youthful conversion of 
James C. Crane, and in his early and steadfast 
union with the church of Christ, the influences 
that gave character to his life, and made him an 
honored, happy and beneficent man. 

INTEREST IN THE CHURCH. 

We find James C. Crane, at once, though but a 
lad, manifesting an ardent interest in the prosper- 
ity of the church, practically working, and out of 
his poverty giving, to further its interests. His 
own artless letters written to his friends at home 
reveal his spirit. 

In October 1822, he writes thus to his brother 
Moses : — 



10 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

# # * * # »The Second Baptist Church — to 
which all our family belong — have been building 
a new meeting-house, and we expect it will be 
opened next Saturday and Sunday. It will cost 
about $5000 or $6000, I expect, before it is done. 
There are but twenty-six members of the church, 
and but ten or twelve male members, and we have 
had to pay our money pretty smartly, but what we 
have is not our own, and we ought to recollect that 
we are but stewards, and are to give an account of 
our stewardship at the last great day" 

# # # # « We are too cold and dull with respect 
to religion here. Wickedness abounds in this city. 
Oh, what reason have the people of God to cry 
mightly to Him, who has promised that He will 
hear and answer prayer, and that if we ask, we 
shall receive ! If we could only rely upon His pro- 
mises and approach a throne of grace with holy 
boldness, and with that faith that works by love, 
we certainly should receive answers to our prayers 
and experience a time of refreshing from the pres- 
ence of Him who filleth all in all." 

November 3, 1822 : — Our Meeting House was 
opened on Saturday, Oct. 26, — Rev. Robert B. 
Semple — called the best Baptist preacher in Vir- 
ginia — preached the first sermon. We had quite . 
a good congregation, and a very good sermon. The 
House is built of brick, fifty feet by sixty, on the 
plan of the meeting-house in Newark. We have 
paid between $2000 and $3000." 



THOUGHTS ON COMING OF AGE. 11 

The spirit thus exhibited by the lad of nineteen 
years, almost without youthful associates, in the 
membership of the church, standing almost alone 
among the companions of his youth, regularly at 
the prayer meetings, liberal with his scanty earn- 
ings, yearning for the spiritual efficiency of the 
church, furnishes a graceful example to young 
Christians, and touches the key note to the har- 
mony of his useful life. 

THOUGHTS ON COMING OF AGE. 

Some two months before he reached that critical 
period in the life of a young man, his twenty-first 
birth-day, he thus writes to his sister : — 

" You know that I am about to be thrown en- 
tirely upon my own exertions for support. The most 
important part of my life is just before me, and 
for several months past, whenever I had any lei- 
sure from business, this has filled my thoughts. I 
expect to continue with brother William a while, at 
any rate. Without any certain prospect before me, 
how I shall get through this world, is calculated 
to render me unhappy. I am satisfied that I shall 
get along in some way or other, and I regret that 
my heart is so wicked as not to trust more en- 
tirely to God for direction and support under all 
the circumstances through which I am to pass. 
Oh, how apt we are to distrust God, to depend 
upon ourselves, which insures our failure ! But 



12 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

although we must depend upon God, yet it is 
our duty to use exertions, and we cannot expect 
success without the use of the means. 

HIS BUSINESS RELATIONS. 

From his settlement in Richmond, in 1819, until 
1842, Mr. J. C. Crane, was associated in business 
with his brother, first as clerk and afterwards as 
partner. For several years two large business 
houses were sustained, one in Richmond, the other 
in Baltimore. The latter was conducted under 
the personal superintendence of William Crane, 
while James remained in the management of the 
former. In 1839 he removed to Baltimore, with 
the purpose of concentrating the entire business in 
that city. But the commercial embarrassments 
that soon after distressed the country, rendered 
the continuance of the long established house in 
Richmond necessary, and after an absence of 
some two years he returned to that city. With 
the exception of this interval, and some months 
in 1853—4, when his health had begun to decline, 
his settled residence was in Richmond. 

In 1842 the partnership was dissolved, each bro- 
ther purchasing the interest of the other in the 
city where he resided. We have thus grouped 
these prominent facts in his life, that we may 
the better maintain unity and consecutiveness in 
the following pages. 

Some of the reasons for his temporary removal 



HIS BUSINESS RELATIONS. 13 

from Richmond, are given in the following ex- 
tracts from a letter to his pastor, Rev. James B. 
Taylor. They are characteristic of the man, and 
illustrative of his uniform conscientious piety, and 
connot be read by any Christian without profit. 

".As it respects my removal from the city, my 
mind is fully made up, provided I can arrange my 
worldly business. About this I shall make some 
certain arrangements in Baltimore the last of this 
week, if the Lord will. My business lately has 
so occupied my mind and body, that I find no 
time for friendly conversation, or even reflection. 
I feel the want of advice and counsel, and not 
unfrequently of comfort, — of something to soothe 
my troubled spirit. I know by experience that 
religious enjoyment only will satisfy an immortal 
mind, and while my business has in some measure 
deprived me of the privileges to which I have 
been accustomed, I have found leanness in my 
soul. It has become necessary to relieve myself 
of some of the burdens which press me down, 
and one object I have in removing is to place 
myself where my temporal affairs need not so 
closely occupy me, and leave me more time for 
spiritual enjoyment, and for active religious labor. 
My mind has been for some years uneasy, because 
I could not feel that I was properly employed, 
while so large a portion of my time and energy 
were devoted to the world. I feel conscious that 
I can locate myself where, although I may not 
2 



14 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

make as much money, I can be more useful. I 
am too worldly minded here, and I know not how 
to be less so, while I am compelled to attend to 
so large a worldly business." 

Subsequent circumstances prevented his per- 
manent settlement in Baltimore, and he soon 
returned to Richmond. 

BUSINESS HABITS. 

Mr. Crane prosecuted his secular business in- 
dustriously, energetically and successfully. No 
mere worldly merchant whose whole faculties and 
time were devoted to gain, was earlier at the 
counting room than he, nor when there, more 
attentive, watchful and earnest in the conduct of 
traffic. No details of his business were overlooked 
or neglected. His books were never confused, 
nor his wares from under his control. In all his 
management he was shrewd, active and prompt. 
For readiness of perception, soundness of judg- 
ment, eagerness of enterprise, sagacity of foresight, 
he was acknowledged to be in the very first rank 
of business men. " Whatsoever his hand found 
to do, he did with his might" A superficial ob- 
server, noticing him only in his business opera- 
tions, might conclude, that his entire thought and 
affections were concentrated in these, and that 
his supreme purpose and aim in life, was to 
enlarge trade and accumulate wealth. He was 
thoroughly active and absorbed in whatever claimed 



PUBLIC SPIRIT. 15 

his attention. His whole mercantile conduct illus- 
trated the proverb, "Drive thy business, and let 
not thy business drive thee." 

PUBLIC SPIRIT. 

And yet, notwithstanding this earnest attention 
to his own affairs, he had time and heart for any 
public interests which claimed his attention. Such 
business qualifications, adorning a character of con- 
scientious integrity, procured him numerous appoint- 
ments to trusteeships and executorships, to the 
boards of directory of Insurance, and Banking 
Companies, internal improvement organizations, etc. 
He fulfilled actively the duties of every post he 
accepted, and his readiness of speech, promptness 
of counsel, and assiduity in labor, generally brought 
one of the laboring oars into his own hand. In every 
association of which he was a member — municipal, 
mercantile or religious — he was very likely to be 
assigned the position which required the most 
work or the highest responsibility. And such 
duties were punctually fulfilled with surprising 
readiness and ease. In the exercise of a sound 
common sense, — more frequently praised than pos- 
sessed, — he seemed intuitively to take of every 
subject presented for his consideration, a strong 
clear, practical view, and that view he expressed 
in few direct words. None were at a loss to dis- 
cover what he meant, or how he felt, on any theme 
of which he thought. His judgments were not 



16 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE 

infallible, of course, for he was an imperfect man ; 
but upon matters that came within the sphere of 
his knowledge, there were few wiser counsellors. 

For several years he was chief engineer of the 
fire department of the city; and no man could 
display more energy and efficiency in such a posi- 
tion. Always among the first at a conflagration, 
by day or night, his quick eye would at once 
perceive what was best to be done ; and his clear, 
ringing voice, heard above the clamor, gave direc- 
tion to all the movements of the hour. His ac- 
tivity upon such occasions seemed so like ubiquity, 
as to become the frequent theme of admiration 
and wonder. 

We have endeavored to avoid anything like 
exaggeration in these representations of the uni- 
form energy and industry of Mr. Crane, during the 
healthful years of his manhood. Those who knew 
him best do not deem the picture overdrawn. 

ENERGY SUBSERVIENT TO PIETY. 

Into all these activities of an earnest and stirr- 
ing daily life, Mr. Crane practically and promi- 
nently carried his religious principles. He seemed 
as truly a christian man in the store, on the street, 
and in the business board, as in the church. He 
did not lay aside his piety as do men their holiday 
garments, when he went forth to his daily toil, 
but he maintained its spirit and illustrated its 
principles in all the avocations of the busy world. 



DIRECT CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE. 17 

Those who dealt with him, felt that they could 
rely implicitly upon his word. " His word was 
accounted as his bond, and his bond as the bill of 
a specie paying bank." # The community that had 
the fullest opportunities to know his character, 
most cordially endorse the sentiment that if James 
C. Crane ever deceived any one, in any business 
transaction, little or large, it was only because he 
was himself deceived. 

DIRECT CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE. 

Nor did his piety consist alone in passive integ- 
rity. He was not a man to be satisfied with 
merely not doing wrong. He sought to do good 
by a positive influence and by direct personal 
efforts. His grieved look of reproof, or gentle 
word of warning, was often a rebuke of profanity 
and ribaldry. Many a man owes to his memory 
a debt of gratitude for the earnest counsels that 
sought to restrain the wanderings of his youth. 
Not a few are worthy and useful members of 
the church, whom he first invited to the Sabbath 
School and the sanctuary. Many a young man, 
coming a stranger to the city to engage in busi- 
ness, was told beforehand, that upon his first intro- 
duction to Mr. Crane he would be invited to the 
Sunday school and the church. And the predic- 
tion was uniformly fulfilled. He was a judicious 
and liberal benefactor of the poor, not bestowing 

* Dr. Jeter. 
2 * 



18 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

his alms indiscriminately upon passing beggars, 
but enquiring into their circumstances and direct- 
ing them if possible to methods of helping them- 
selves. He was often found in the chamber of 
sickness, and left behind him, to comfort the 
sufferer, the sweet odor of his sympathies, his 
prayers and his alms where they were nee.ded. 
The erring or negligent disciple he sought, and 
labored to restrain and restore. He had a pecu- 
liarly happy faculty of introducing pious themes, 
into ordinary conversation; not repulsively, or 
abruptly, but naturally and gratefully, as though 
"the mouth spake out of the abundance of the 
heart." There was nothing gloomy or restrained 
in his manner of conversing upon such topics. 
On the contrary, he was always remarkably 
sprightly and cheerful, throwing out his thoughts 
vivaciously and warmly, so that none doubted his 
sincerity and earnestness. With such spirit and 
manner, he was a most agreeable companion, 
genial and courteous, universally winning respect 
. and affection. The young men of the community, 
especially regarded him with confidence and esteem. 
Not a few attribute to his counsels and generous 
aid, their success and prosperity in business. 

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES. 

Amid all the whirl and pressure of secular cares, no 
man of entire leisure was more punctual and atten- 
tive in all religious observances and duties. From 
the meetings of the church, whether for public wor- 



RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES. 19 

ship, pious conference and prayer, or for business, it 
may almost literally be said, he was never absent. 
Rev. J. B. Taylor, for many years his pastor and 
friend, says of him: "As a hearer of the word he was 
never listless. He always seemed interested and 
frequently indicated deep emotion. It was his habit 
to treasure up the leading thoughts of the dis- 
course, and to make them the subject of profitable 
conversation with his family and friends." He 
deemed no hurry of business an excuse for ab- 
sence from the place of prayer. To be there he 
considered a paramount duty, and found it his 
brightest enjoyment. No cloud nor shower, no cold 
nor heat, no Banking or Insurance Board, much 
less a place of amusement, detained him from 
the house of God. He was as confidently ex- 
pected to be present whenever the doors of the 
sanctuary were open, for church service of any 
sort, as the minister or the sexton. He was accus- 
tomed to say that any man might so arrange his 
business if he had the heart for it, as to be uni- 
formly in the house of God, and that his prosper- 
ity and efficiency would be promoted rather than 
injured by such a course. His life was thus an 
illustration of entire consecration to God, amid 
the most active worldly pursuits. It was a prac- 
tical commentary read of all men, upon the divine 
injunction, "not slothful in business, fervent in 
spirit, serving the Lord." And this course he pur- 
sued, not fitfully and from impulses, but. uniformly 
from principle, and daring his whole life until 



20 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

prostrated by disease. Were all the disciples of 
Christ characterized by such temper and devotion, 
the world would speedily be converted. 

ACTIVE PIETY. 

Nor was he in the house of God, so regularly, 
as a mere passive spectator, or recipient of bless- 
ings. He was there as everywhere, to do some- 
thing. He did not merely attend the services ; he 
joined in them with heart and voice. The stranger 
found him at the door courteously inviting him 
to a seat. His clear tones were always heard 
leading or aiding the song of praise. His "word 
of exhortation" in the conference, or of advice in 
the business meeting, was ready at the right time ; 
was generally pertinent and sensible, and heard 
with respect and profit. His prayers, as he 
led the congregation to the throne of grace, were 
humble and fervent, and adapted to the circum- 
stances of the people. And yet with all this 
he was never censured as a bold and forward man, 
pushing beyond his proper sphere. There was, 
particularly after he had reached mature age, a 
meekness and humility and appropriateness, as 
well as earnestness and sincerity in all that he did, 
that disarmed all censure of this sort, and won the 
confidence of citizens and the love of Christians. 

VERSATILITY OF TALENT. 

With a felicitous versatility of talents, he seemed 
intuitively to apprehend what was appropriate to 



THOUGHTS OF THE GOSPEL MINISTRY. 21 

the circumstances in which he was placed. His 
mind and heart seemed engrossed in any object 
which for the time claimed his attention. While 
engaged in business one might judge from his 
earnestness and industry, that he was scarcely 
fitted for anything else; and yet in an hour his 
sprightly conversation gave tone to the social 
circle, or his earnest prayers and exhortations, in- 
fused new spiritual life into the devotional meet- 
ing. When he led the psalmody of the church, 
it seemed as though he was peculiarly fitted to 
be a teacher of sacred music. When he presided 
in the Sabbath School, one thought of the good he 
might effect by traversing the conntry as a Sun- 
day school missionary. When he participated in 
the deliberations of a missionary board, or anni- 
versary, the idea occurred to many that he was 
admirably qualified for the secretaryship of such 
a society. When he conducted the devoti6ns of 
an evening meeting, and attempted to expound 
and enforce the lessons of the Bible, many thought 
that the a ministry of the word " was his manifest 
vocation. 

The secret of this adaptability to the various 
places of his work, was to be found in his earnest- 
ness and consecration, rather than in any superior 
mental endowments or peculiarities. 

THOUGHTS OF THE GOSPEL MINISTRY. 

Indeed, he was often urged by his friends to de- 
vote his life and talents to the duties of the ministry. 



22 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

At one period, he seriously pondered his duty in this 
respect, and contemplated consecrating his powers 
to this holy work. From the period of his early con- 
version, this question had often perplexed his mind. 
The following letter, written to Rev. J. B. Taylor, in 
September, 1837, after a painful and dangerous ill- 
ness, reveals the anxieties of his soul on this subject, 
and gives a gratifying insight into the earnest and 
conscientious character of the man : 

My Dear Brother, — 

When I was first brought, as I hope, to trust, as a 
poor, helpless sinner, in Jesus Christ for salvation, I 
felt very strongly my obligations to Him, and, to some 
extent, believed it to be my duty to devote myself 
exclusively to his service. I was so situated at that 
time, however, that I thought myself providentially 
absolved from the obligation. I was then entirely 
dependent on my labor for support — though but 
thirteen years old — and knew I always should be. 
I possessed no means of preparation, and though the 
offer was made, I was unwilling to accept as a gra- 
tuity what I was not able to obtain in any other way. 
I therefore gave up all idea of it, and, for many 
years, did not allow myself to contemplate the sub- 
ject Yet it has always been, more or less, im- 
pressed upon my mind; and when I arrived at 
maturity, I determined to devote the proceeds of my 
labor to the cause of God, if my labors could not be 
directly given in that way. With this I have satis- 
fied myself for many years past, while I have, with 



ANXIETY TO DO GOOD. 23 

all the energy and industry I could command, de- 
voted myself to my business. But I must confess 
to you, my dear brother, that my conscience has 
never been at ease, and while I have frequently ar- 
gued with others that it was not my duty to engage 
entirely in the work of the ministry, the arguments 
I have urged have not satisfied my own mind, but I 
have rather used them as a salvo to quiet my own 
conscience. I have felt more deeply on this subject 
within a year past, since the Lord raised me from the 
gate of death, to which I was brought last fall. I 
have kept my feelings mostly within my own bosom 
until the conversation with you, a few days since, — 
except, perhaps, that my wife may have sometimes 
known them. I have been constrained, within a 
few months past, to speak sometimes, and to get in 
the way of doing so, against my own will, apparently. 
I have found rising up in my own bosom an almost 
uncontrollable desire to be more directly engaged in 
the Lord's work, and a growing indifference to my 
worldly business, as well as a willingness to make 
sacrifices for the cause of Christ. If my own heart 
does not deceive me, I do desire to pursue that course 
which will make me most useful. I often fear that 
I am actuated by pride or selfishness, and frequently, 
after speaking in public, I conclude that I have not 
such feelings as I ought to have, and that I will not 
again suffer my desires to lead me to do it; but when 
opportunity offers my desire overcomes my fear. 
My experience has taught me that I have a deceit fid 
heart, naturally full of pride and every evil passion, 



24 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

and these are so little controlled by grace, that I am 
frequently impelled almost to relinquish the idea of 
ever being useful at all. I cannot bear the thought 
of urging on others the importance of truths, when 
my own heart and life are not under their influence. 
I do feel, however, to some extent, that the Saviour 
is precious to me, because I am a justly-condemned 
sinner, and I wish to recommend Him to others. I 
feel, to some extent, at least, concerned for the con- 
dition of my fellow-men. I wish — sometimes ar- 
dently — that they maybe saved. These feelings 
are, however, nothing in comparison with what they 
should be. Thus much for my feelings. In relation 
to some of them you are already acquainted, from our 
intimacy, and know them perhaps better, from your 
knowledge of me for ten or twelve years past, than I 
can now express them. 

STRUGGLES. 

There is, also, in my case, a powerful influence 
exerted on my mind by the continued expression of 
decided opinions, on the part of my brethren, on this 
subject. If this opinion were confined to a few, its 
influence would not be so impressive ; and while I 
know full well that my brethren largely overrate my 
talents and capabilities and piety, still I cannot but 
feel that their opinions ought, at least, to induce m^ 
calmly and prayerfully to consider the matter. 



OBSTACLES. 25 



OBSTACLES. 



Another consideration is, the great scarcity of labor- 
ers and the vast field to be cultivated. Many of our 
churches are entirely destitute, and others nearly so, 
and many of our benevolent efforts languish for want 
of efficient and energetic efforts in their behalf. Still 
another, is the command of the Saviour, — which, in 
my view, is imperative upon all who are, in the esti- 
mation of the church, qualified to do so, to devote 
themselves to the work. 

I know nothing of any special call to the work, 
except what may be found in what I have already 
briefly referred to. I could enlarge on these, but 
it is not necessary. 

There are formidable objections, which have their 
influence on my mind. 

The most prominent is my own want of personal 
piety and holiness. I feel that I have scarcely any 
of the true spirit of Christ ; and I see in myself so 
little conformity to His image, and so little zeal, 
while there is so much sin attached to me, that I feel 
as though it would be presumptuous to attempt to 
instruct and exhort others. I fear that I should in- 
jure rather than benefit the cause, and that I might 
rather bring reproach than honor to my Saviour — and 
I wish to honor Him. Beside which, my want of 
qualifications of other kinds deters me. I have not 
had any education to prepare me for the work, and 
have no time to spend in acquiring such an educa- 
tion as I believe important, though not indispensable 
3 



26 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

as a qualification. My habits of thinking, too, have 
become so fixed, that I fear it would be impossible 
for me so to control my mind as to be useful. My 
engagements in business are such, that I know not 
how to break off from them, though this could be 
arranged by degrees, if my brother William would 
consent to do so. 

LONGINGS FOR GREATER USEFULNESS. 

The question whether I might not be more useful 
as I now am, is also an all-important one. And once 
more, — the fear that I may mistake the path, of duty, 
and go without being sent, operates strongly on my 
mind ; for I must again say that, if I can only deter- 
mine what is duty, I am not only willing, but anxious 
to do it. I wish to do the most I can for Him who 
has done sojnuch for me. 

I have hastily penned these thoughts, in the 
counting-room, and subject to constant interruptions, 
and perhaps you may think it hardly worth while to 
trouble you so much ; but if it affords me any satis- 
faction to communicate with you, I am sure you will 
not feel otherwise than satisfied with it. 

In conclusion, permit me to say that I have several 
times, within a few years past, taken up this subject 
and thought and prayed over it for weeks together, 
and have brought myself to the conclusion that I was 
in the way of duty, and have tried to satisfy my con- 
science, but have never yet succeeded. And perhaps 
I ought to say, in candor, that I much prefer my pres- 



LONGINGS FOR GREATER USEFULNESS. 27 

ent sphere, if I could feel that I was in the way of 
duty. I do not feel that I am not in the path in 
which I ought to be now ; but I am not satisfied, and 
the object of this is rather to get from you an expres- 
sion of your views and feelings, to assist in settling 
my own mind in my present situation, or in bringing 
me wherever my duty calls me. 

1 almost tremble at the thought of taking upon 
myself any responsibility of this kind, and should not 
be willing — much less anxious — to do so, unless 
driven to it by the imperious calls of duty. 

I desire that this may be confidential ; and I also 
desire, my dear brother, that you would pray for me, 
that I may be guided aright ; and if you can do so, I 
should be much pleased with an answer. Do, my 
dear brother, deal in faithfulness with me, and what- 
ever you do write, place x the objections as promin- 
ently as possible. I wish this to be considered as a 
letter of inquiry. I hope I am asking, " Lord, what 
wilt Thou have me do ? " Oh, that I may find an 
answer to this interesting query ! 

With strong regards, I am 

Your unworthy Brother in Christ, 

Jas. C. Crane. 

Rev. Jas. B. Taylor, Richmond, Va. 

■ For some time, this great question perplexed his 
soul, and with the approval of the Church, he fre- 
quently addressed his fellow-men from the pulpit, in 
the vicinity of Richmond. But an earnest and pray- 
erful consideration of the whole subject, induced the 



28 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

conclusion that he could be more useful in the sphere 
he so worthily filled. And in that sphere, it was 
often said of him, that he probably exerted a wider 
and more salutary influence than any minister in the 

State. 

HIS DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 

In 1824, Mr. Crane married Miss Isabella Steel, 
of Philadelphia, Pa., and for thirty-two years they 
dwelt together, cheering and comforting each other 
by mutual sympathy, confidence and love. Beside a 
son who died in early life, a family of five sons grew 
up around them. 

The cheerful piety and practical wisdom of Mr. 
Crane was nowhere more beautifully developed than 
in the internal management of his household. No 
business cares were ever permitted to induce neglect 
of his family. No cold indifference to the enjoyments 
of his children ; no petulance or moroseness in 
checking their childish sports, nor disregarding their 
little interests, ever made his home gloomy or repul- 
sive. He exercised a controlling authority, but he 
exercised it kindly and lovingly. 

FAMILY DISCIPLINE. 

He was accustomed to say that a man's own house 
should be made so uniformly pleasant and attractive, 
that his children would prefer it to any other place, 
and be able to find no superior fascinations elsewhere 
to induce them to wander from it for enjoyment. 



FAMILY DISCIPLINE. 29 

This was his governing domestic principle, and he 
was eminently successful in its applications. He no 
more lived for himself at home than in the church or 
the store. He came into his own house after the 
labors of business, not merely " to be ministered 
unto, but to minister" to the happiness and well- 
being of his family. Cheerful and familiar conver- 
sation, and a lively interest in all that concerned 
them, won the reliance of his children, and educated 
them to regard him as their confidant and counsellor. 
Pictures, and books, and music, — all the thousand 
nameless charms which a wise and loving father may 
gather to increase the attractiveness of the parlor, 
were freely procured. He kept a band of music and 
a choir in his own house, of which his children were 
the performers and singers, and himself the leader. 
And over all these domestic arrangements, a sweet, 
evangelical influence predominated. Religious 
themes and exercises were not dragged in as a 
sort of penance for cheerfulness, — as harsh du- 
ties, interrupting enjoyments, to be sighed and 
gloomed over for a little, and then summarily dis- 
missed. A spirit of genial piety pervaded all the 
intercourse of the household. The hour of family 
worship, regular as the family meal, was as grate- 
fully and acceptably observed. A generous and 
liberal hospitality was always exercised, and many 
a guest recalls, as among his most pleasant hours of 
the past, those that were casually spent beneath the 
roof of James C. Crane. It is not surprising that 
the sons of such a father, thus trained, should give, 



30 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

in youth and manhood, nattering promise of honor- 
able and useful lives, and, by evidences of early 
piety, furnish consolation even under the sad 
bereavements which removed them, before him- 
self, to the grave. 

MUSICAL TALENT. 

Superior musical talents were among the endow- 
ments which Mr. Crane consecrated to the service 
of God. An accurate ear, a full, clear voice, culti- 
vated by study and practice, exquisite taste, tact and 
judgment, peculiarly fitted him to conduct the praise 
of the sanctuary and the social meeting. He was, 
consequently, at various times, the leader of the 
choir in the churches with which he was con- 
nected. He had at entire command, in his capa- 
cious memory, so large a treasury of " psalms and 
hymns and spiritual songs " and chorusses, and ap- 
propriate tunes, that he was prepared to adapt them 
to any occasion. 'Rev. Dr. W. F. Broaddus relates 
that he has looked on Mr. Crane with wonder and 
admiration, at the crowded anniversaries held in 
Richmond, walking up and down the aisles of the 
church, courteously conducting strangers to seats, 
while at the same time, with the hymn-book in his 
hand, he was effectively and gracefully leading the 
praises of the congregation, and guiding, by his clear 
voice, the melody of the whole assembly. 

Not only in leading the praises of the great con- 
gregation, but at social meetings, at the fireside, in 



THE LIFE OF SOCIAL MEETINGS. 31 

the chamber of the sick and at the couch of the dy- 
ing saint, his voice was ever sweetly heard, in sacred 
song as well as in counsel and in prayer. 

THE LIFE OF SOCIAL MEETINGS. 

His presence in the social evening meetings of the 
church, ensured spirited and interesting exercises. 
In brief, pointed addresses and exhortations and 
prayers, admirably adapted to time and place, seizing 
just the idea that seemed for the hour most instruc- 
tive and impressive, tersely, strongly and clearly ex- 
pressed, never wearying by prolixity or irrelevance, — 
Deacon Crane, as is universally admitted, was rarely 
excelled, even by the most thoroughly trained clergy- 
men of the church. And from these meetings he 
was never absent, when at home and in health. A 
friend relates this incident as an illustration of his 
usual course. He was sent to notify him of an im- 
portant meeting of an Insurance Board of which he 
was a member. " Any other evening in the week," 
said Mr. Crane, " I will attend, but this is the night 
for the prayer meeting at the church, and I never 
leave that for any secular business/' Thus practi- 
cally did he carry out the principle, " Seek first the 
kingdom of God." However inclement the weather, 
however pressing his business in the driving seasons 
of the year, those who attended the appointed meet- 
ings of the church expected to see Brother Crane 
there ; and if they were ever disappointed, they felt 
assured that it was for a reason that God and a good 
man's conscience would approve. 



32 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

A SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. 

During his youth, the era of Sunday Schools 
opened. One among the earliest was organized in 
1815, in his native city. He became connected with 
it, of course, for from youth till death there seemed 
no good thing proposed or attempted, within his 
reach, to which he did not give all the aid within the 
compass of his ability. Upon his removal to Rich- 
mond, he soon became the teacher of a little class, 
and within a few years was called to the superin- 
tendence of the school. His duties in this depart- 
ment of christian labor were no secondary or subor- 
dinate matters with him. He prosecuted them with 
all the enthusiasm of an earnest spirit ; and so pal- 
pable were the reflex benefits of this devotion upon 
his own heart and life, that he was accustomed to 
remark, " The Sunday school has made me what I 
am." From his school, it may be said, almost liter- 
ally, he was never absent and never late. Nothing 
detained him that would not as necessarily have kept 
him from his counting-house on a business morning. 
For ten consecutive years he was never absent from 
a single session of the Sabbath school, when in the 
city, and never one minute after the appointed time 
of opening, except upon one occasion, when a terrific 
snow storm made the streets almost impassable, and 
then, though late, he was the first one at the place 
after the sexton. He seemed peculiarly fitted for 
such a position. His administration of the govern- 
ment of the school was prompt, cheerful and aftec- 



SUNDAY SCHOOL LABORS. 33 

tionate. His addresses to children and teachers 
were sprightly, pointed, brief and timely, deducing 
instruction from passing events and treasured inci- 
dents. His time, zeal, influence, money, were all 
freely bestowed in the prosecution of his work. He 
won the confidence tind love of teachers and pupils, 
and inspired all with a laudable emulation to excel. 
The schools both of the Second and First Baptist 
Churches of Richmond, of which he was successively 
Superintendent, his influence aided and mainly con- 
tributed to raise to such a degree of prosperity and 
usefulness. He happily illustrated, in connection 
with this work, what capabilities for good may be 
evolved from one consecrated, earnest soul. In 1831, 
the Second Church was visited with special demon- 
strations of the Holy Spirit's power, and some two 
hundred persons were added to its communion. Mr. 
Crane labored intensely and devoutly, and a large 
proportion of this increase was gathered from the 
classes of his Sabbath school. For weeks, he met 
many of them every morning at the general sunrise 
prayer meeting, visited them at their homes, coun- 
selled and prayed with them in the enquiry meetings, 
and left no conceivable means untried to win them 
to Christ. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL LABORS. 

Nor was his devotion to this work confined to the 
schools with which he was immediately connected. 
In 1835 he resigned to other hands the superintend- 
ency of the school, and thus expressed the reasons 



34 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

for his withdrawal, evincing that his highest motive 
was the good of the school, and his desire to enlarge 
the sphere of his own usefulness in promoting this 
blessed work : — 

" For more than a year past, I have desired to be 
released from the claims of the Sunday school on me 
as its leader. The school, I know, has been blessed ; 
and even if no fruit had appeared, I should, I hope, 
not wish on that account to leave it. Though I ar- 
dently desire success, and could not rest contented 
without it, yet the want of success would not deter 
me from labor. I have been there so long, that it 
does really seem to me that a change would be bene- 
ficial ; and it is the unbounded confidence reposed in 
me, on the part of the teachers, which, in some de- 
gree, has induced me to wish to retire. I feel that they 
rely too much on me, and are, consequently, not as 
sensible as they ought to be of their entire dependence 
upon a vastly higher source, in connection with an 
active and prayerful use of the means. The school 
is now in such a state that it can easily be managed. 
I should be unwilling to leave it if it was in a de- 
clining state. I should calculate still to visit and 
encourage it. You know the feeling of responsi- 
bility which necessarily devolves on one who feels 
conscientious in the discharge of any duty. I can- 
not undertake anything without laying myself out for 
it. I could not be satisfied out of a Sunday school, 
nor have I the least expectation or desire ever to be 
satisfied out of one; yet I wish, for a while at least, 



PROJECTS SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 35 

to be a little more at liberty. There are others in 
our church who ought to be doing more, and, indeed, 
others who have talents for this very office, which, 
if put in requisition, would be very useful. After 
six years' service, without a day's intermission, be- 
side a period of about the same length of time nearly 
constantly engaged, I feel as though some one else 
ought to take the place, and release me." 

He did not resign that he might repose in selfish 
ease, but that he might spend his Sabbaths in organ- 
izing new schools, and in visiting and encouraging 
such as were feeble. In this department of christian 
enterprise his " labors were abundant," both in their 
character and results. His voice was heard not only 
in the schools, but in public meetings, associations, — 
everywhere that a suitable opportunity offered, in 
behalf of this great christian work ; and his earnest- 
ness, directness, and strong common sense, always 
secured him interested listeners. 

PROJECTS SUNDAY SCHOOL AND PUBLICATION SOCIETY 
OF VIRGINIA. 

In the breadth of his devotion, he conceived plans 
for organizing a Sabbath school in connection with 
every Baptist church in Virginia ; and with such an 
end in view, suggested the formation of the Virginia 
Baptist Sunday School and Publication Society, of 
which, for several years, he was the President. 
Large resuls have followed these efforts, and if the 



36 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

ideal he proposed is not yet attained, the influences 
have been started that will ensure its fulfilment. 

The Rev. Dr. Jeter, who was familiar with his 
labors, thus strongly speaks of them : — 

" It is deemed no injustice to affirm, that to James 
C. Crane, more than to any man living or dead, the 
Baptists of Richmond [and might it not have been 
added, of Virginia ?] are indebted for the high pros- 
perity of their Sunday schools. Others have done 
well — he did better. He labored in the cause, early, 
long, diligently, in season and out of season, officially 
and unofficially, as teacher, superintendent and lec- 
turer; and he labored effectively. He sowed, and 
others have reaped; he laid the foundation, and 
others have built. The results of his Sunday school 
labors no creature can calculate ; but the All- Seeing 
Eye discerned the scattered seed, marked how it 
sprang up, watches its growth and its maturing, and 
sees how the crop will become the seed of another 
and a greater crop, and that this process will continue 
to the end of time, when the laborer will receive his 
full reward." 

Rev. J. B. Taylor adds : — 

" This influence was not confined to Virginia. In 
his visits to other sections of the country, his voice 
was heard on behalf of Sunday schools. While an 
invalid in the Southern States, he excited such an 
interest in this cause as led to permanent and happy 
results." 



INTEREST IN FOREIGN MISSIONS. 37 

INTEREST IN FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

In the same year in which young Crane — a lad 
of sixteen — removed to Richmond, public preach- 
ing was first commenced in the Burman language, 
at Rangoon, by Dr. Judson ; the first Burmese con- 
verts were baptized, and the first church gathered by 
the labors of American missionaries, was organized 
in a heathen land. # The intelligence, spread among 
the churches in this country, stimulated the zeal and 
the hopes of the friends of missions. A warm inter- 
est on their progress and prosperity was enkindled 
in the heart of James C. Crane, which never abated. 
He watched, with prayerful solicitude, all the move- 
ments and labors of the missionaries, and thoroughly 
acquainted himself with their operations and fields of 
toil. The reports and periodicals of the benevolent 
societies were always to be found upon his table, and 
in his conversation and addresses he showed entire 
familiarity with their plans and workings. He was, 
at all times, an earnest, consistent, liberal advocate 

* Under date of April 4, 1819, Dr. Judson writes : — " To-day 
the building of the Zayat being sufficiently advanced for the pur- 
pose, I called together a few people that live around us, and com- 
menced public worship in the Burman language. I say com- 
menced, for though I have frequently read and discoursed to the 
natives, I have never before conducted a course of exercises which 
deserved the name of public worship." "But I hope, though with 
fear and trembling, that I have now commenced a course of public 
worship and regular preaching." Moung Nau, the first Burmese 
convert, was baptized June 27, 1819. The next two converts were 
baptized Nov. 7, 1819. 

4 



38 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

of all the measures proposed by good men for the 
dissemination of truth and the extension of the king- 
dom of Christ. 

He was especially interested in the mission to 
Africa. Mainly through the influence of his brother 
William and himself, Lott Carey and Colin Teage, 
the first Baptist missionaries from America to Africa, 
were encouraged, equipped and designated to that 
important field, in 1821. To aid in the support of 
this mission, a society had been organized, in 1815, 
among the colored members of the Richmond 
churches, of which society J. C. Crane was, for many 
years, the secretary, corresponding with the mission- 
aries abroad and communicating with their support- 
ers at home. This humble society he loved to repre- 
sent in public anniversaries, associations and conven- 
tions. He was their special delegate in the Trien- 
nial Convention of 1832, held in the city of New 
York. He continued the earnest friend and- liberal 
supporter of African missions and African coloniza- 
tion to the close of his life. 

CATHOLIC SPIRIT. 

But his faith was too broad, and his charity too 
catholic, to be cramped within any one department 
of christian benevolence ; and though his preference 
for his own church was sincere and enlightened, yet 
of all the great national christian organizations — 
such as the American Sunday School Union, and the 
American Tract Society — he was a stedfast advo- 
cate. His time and his money were freely given to 



IN PUBLIC MEETINGS. 39 

promote their efficiency. His christian philanthropy 
embraced all classes of men. No caste nor color 
was excluded from his sympathies. The lowliest 
trusted him as a friend, and the loftiest regarded him 
as an efficient coadjutor in every good and useful 
work. 

IN PUBLIC MEETINGS. 

A man of such spirit and abilities, would necessa- 
rily be called to occupy prominent positions among 
his brethren, and he was generally a delegate at our 
Ecclesiastical anniversaries, placed upon the most 
important committees, and appointed to the boards of 
management. He was, for several years, Clerk, and 
afterwards Moderator, of the Dover Association; 
Secretary of the General Association of Virginia, and 
of the Southern Baptist Convention. 

Dr. Jeter says of him : — 

" He presided well, and as a clerk, he had no 
superior. I have heard him, on public and exciting 
occasions, deliver extempore addresses which would 
do no discredit to the most eminent speakers of the 
land. There was no flashing of wit, no flourish of 
what is miscalled eloquence; but a clear, concise, 
earnest, graceful discussion of the matter under con- 
sideration. Among all the laymen of the Baptist 
churches, none took, or was qualified to take, a more 
prominent position. It may be questioned whether 
any one, minister or layman, in the long period during 
which he was accustomed to attend our anniversa- 



40 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

ries, exerted a stronger or more beneficent influence 
in them, than he/' 

LIBERALITY. 

Mr. Crane held the money which he earned as a 
" steward of God." With his business qualifications 
and opportunities, he might have accumulated large 
wealth. He did accumulate, but he appropriated his 
money as freely as he did his time and mental abili- 
ties for the furtherance of the kingdom of Christ. 
From settled principle — not merely from fitful im- 
pulses — he conscientiously devoted a portion of his 
income to benevolent purposes. He often said that 
he did not mean to be rich. After a long life of 
lucrative traffic, he left an estate valued at some 
$30,000. Greed and avarice might, perhaps, have 
augmented the sum by an additional figure ; but his 
uniform beneficence was worth far more to the world 
than such increase could have been to his heirs. To 
every benevolent work he contributed liberally and 
cheerfully, and, by his example and counsels, fos- 
tered liberality in others. His notes in bank were 
not more promptly met than his subscriptions to 
benevolent objects, and a debt of this sort was as 
readily contracted and as cheerfully paid as any . 
other. Rev. J. B. Taylor, who knew him longer and 
more intimately than any other clergyman, says : — 
" During a long connection with him as his pastor 
and friend, I never knew him to decline an appeal 
for pecuniary aid on behalf of any good object, and 
his contributions were always large and liberal." 



SPIRITUALLY MINDED. 41 

In 1834, he united with his brother in the purchase 
of a church building, in Calvert street, Baltimore, in 
the hope of creating a new centre of holy influences 
in that great city. He also contributed generously 
toward the support of the pastor of that distant 
church. * 

But there is no need of adducing instances of liber- 
ality. It was not with him an occasional thing to be 
generous and benevolent — he was uniformly so. He 
was so from settled conviction of duty, not from tem- 
porary excitements. He felt that gratitude to God 
and duty to the world required that he should seek 
to do good with his money, as well as by his more 
direct personal influence. It is not probable that any 
collection was ever made in any church with 
which he was connected, for an object that his 
judgment approved, which was not enlarged by his 
ready liberality. 

If all the members of our churches but cherished 
this spirit — and the obligations resting on each are 
as real as those recognized by Mr. Crane — the Word 
of God would be speedily dispensed among all 
nations, and the cry of the perishing for the bread 
of life, would be answered. There is abundant 
wealth in our churches to meet all the claims of 
christian charity; but alas for a suffering world ! it 
is not in the hands of such men as was James C. 
Crane. . 

SPIRITUALLY MINDED. 

In his christian experience, Mr. Crane had many 

4* 



42 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

temptations to meet — a severe and protracted war- 
fare to maintain. No one felt so deeply as himself 
that he was far from being a perfect man. He 
mourned over his own infirmities and failings, and 
struggled to subdue them. His fervent tempera- 
ment, his strong will, his ardent affections, the high 
position of influence in the church and in the busi- 
ness community uniformly accorded him, while, on 
the one hand, they enhanced his usefulness, on the 
other, gave opportunities to the tempter to lure him 
into snares. Like all men who think quickly and 
speak strongly, he doubtless, sometimes, jumped at 
wrong conclusions, and " spake unadvisedly with his 
lips." Perhaps, in his firmness, he sometimes 
seemed dogmatical, and in his abhorrence of every 
thing mean and hypocritical, he sometimes appeared 
censorious. In his earlier christian life, his ordi- 
nary cheerfulness may sometimes have degenerated 
into levity, and his clear, common-sense apprehen- 
sion of the practical bearings of any subject presented 
for his consideration, may sometimes have inspired 
undue self-confidence. 

But against these besetting tendencies of his 
nature he prayerfully watched and guarded, and con- 
scientiously struggled to subdue the evils that were 
in him. Like every true-hearted character, he dis- 
covered in his own heart and life much to humble 
and distress him, and enough to induce him utterly 
to renounce all self-righteousness, and to drive him 
to the mediation and sacrifice of Jesus, as the only 
medium of justification and acceptance. 



SPIRITUALLY MINDED. 43 

" 111 the freedom and intimacy of our intercourse, " 
says Mr. Taylor, " I have heard him very often refer 
to his sense of the Divine purity and his own com- 
parative un worthiness. He was eminently an hum- 
ble man. No one could be intimately acquainted 
with him, or listen to the out-pourings of his heart 
in prayer, without perceiving this peculiarity." 

Rev. B. Manly, Jr., for a season his pastor, says, 
"there was this peculiarity about Brother Crane, 
which is very rare. He would sometimes with 
his ordinary earnestness, vigorously oppose a 
measure projected by his brethren, and would 
yield very reluctantly to a decision contrary to his 
own judgment. But if in the prosecution of that 
very measure, there came a time of pressure and 
a need for aid, instead of holding himself aloof and 
triumphantly saying, * I told you how it would be,' 
without a word of reproach, he would be among the 
most forward to contribute his counsels and his 
money to ensure its success." 

Thus bravely did he war against self, and " seek 
first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." 
His oft repeated maxim, learned from the vener- 
ated Dr. Semple, in cases of difference of judg- 
ment with other Christians was, " Well, brethren, if 
you will not go with me, — I will go with you" 

LETTERS. 

The following extracts from a few of Mr. Crane's 
letters written in the ingenuousness of confidential 



44 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

christian intercourse, will at once give us some 
insight into his inner nature, indicate some of his 
struggles in maintaining the spiritual warfare, 
illustrate his spirit and life, and suggest thoughts 
worthy of being pondered by every reader. They 
were written without the thought that they would 
ever meet any other eyes than those of the be- 
loved friends to whom they were directed. Yet 
both in their spirit and sentiments they reveal the 
earnest piety of the -writer, and may suggest to 
some, a method of doing good which perhaps they 
have never yet tried. Even in his business letters 
he often expressed the longings of his soul, for 
the spiritual welfare of his correspondents. And 
as he wrote, so he talked. 

Upon the conversion and baptism of his wife 
and nephew in 1830, he writes to his sister, Mrs. 
Johnson : — 

" How grateful should we be. Too little do 
I feel the goodness of that kind Redeemer, who 
saves sinners, yes, the vilest of the vile. What 
a mercy it is that we are not left to our own direc- 
tion, and how comforting the assurance of the 
Scriptures that God is unchangeable and full of 
compassion. Oh! that I could feel more humble 
under this dispensation of mercy. It is all of 
grace ; free, unmerited grace, abounding through 
our Lord Jesus Christ. When I feel like a poor 
unworthy sinner, ready to perish without mercy, 
then I can rejoice in Christ, view His loveliness 



LETTERS. 45 

and fitness to my case ; for then I feel that there 
is no other way of salvation, and I would not agree 
to be saved in any other way. There is so much 
love and wisdom and mercy and safety in this 
plan, that no other could give me comfort. And 
though sometimes I feel as if I could never be 
cold and dull, yet I am so prone to wander from 
God, I have such a wicked heart that I almost 
fear that I have never felt the love of God. But 
I will trust in Christ, for here only I find comfort. 
May the Lord enable me to do something to ad- 
vance His cause, and the good of others, from a 
principle of love to Him." 

THE REVIVAL IN 1831. 

Under the influence of the extensive revival in 
Richmond, in 1831, during which nearly one thou- 
sand converts were added to the various churches, 
he writes thus: — 

" Oh, that you could have been here and wit- 
nessed what we have ! But such scenes you never 
saw. My dear sister, how much to be lamented 
it is, that after such displays of divine power and 
mercy, we should ever feel cold and find our 
hearts hard and our affections wandering after 
comfort among the trifling things of this vain 
world ! You know how to sympathize with me 
when I tell you I have a wicked heart, a cold and 
deceitful heart, prone to forget God, and depart 



46 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

from Him. Is it not surprising, after we had so 
much, and so long sinned against God, He should 
ever have thoughts of mercy towards us, and pro- 
pose terms of reconciliation so simple and plain, 
that we cannot misunderstand them, and so safe 
that we may trust with confidence ? I have lately 
had more anxious desires to be useful than ever 
before, and yet I am asleep on this all -important 
subject. How much time have I wasted ! A few 
days since I found myself twenty eight years old, 
and yet I have done so little for Him in whose 
hand my life is and whose are all my ways. For 
more than half my life I have professed to be a dis- 
ciple of Christ, and how far from God have I lived, 
and how much I have to repent of. I have been 
engaged, teaching a Bible class, and it is now ten 
o'clock, and I cannot write much. Oh, ■ that I 
might be more entirely devoted to the service of 
God! In looking around us we can see our friends 
and acquaintances on every side, exposed to the 
wrath of God, and careless. The Saviour died 
for sinners ! Can we not pray and labor for them? 
How can we be satisfied, while they are in dan- 
ger! Tell A and E and M to trust 

in the Lord for strength, and begin to work for 
His glory, and for the salvation of sinners, and in 
the path of duty they will certainly find peace." J 

After giving a somewhat detailed account of this 
revival to another sister, Mrs. Mourrons, and 
speaking of attending meetings every night for 



SENSE OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. 47 

eight weeks, and "not getting to bed before from 
twelve to two oclock," because though exhausted 
he was not able to sleep, he says : — 

" I have found a pleasure in trying to do good, 
that I cannot describe. Although, very frequently, 
while I have been endeavoring to point others to 
the Saviour and explain to them the simplicity and 
beauty of the plan of salvation, and the love of 
God in giving His Son to die for sinners, I have 
been unable to place that confidence in the word 
of God which would give me solid joy, yet I could 
not avoid beggin§ others to look to Christ, and 
rejoice in Him. I know if I had not a " heart 
deceitful above all things and desperately wicked," 
I could always find comfort in contemplating the 
faithfulness of the promises in the Gospel. Oh, 
how prone I am to wander, and how ungrateful 
it is ever to neglect so kind a Parent as our God 
is! Oh, that my heart and thoughts might be 
chained to the service and glory of God! and that 
I might every day and every hour, exhibit my love 
for the Lord, by such conduct and conversation 
as should induce others to esteem religion, as the 
one thing needful. This solemn question fre- 
quently occurs with force to my mind: Shall I 
at the last day behold on the left hand of the Judge, 
one soul, toward whom I have not performed my duty, 
or in whose salvation I might have been instrumental? 

" As the Saviour has died for sinners, shall we 
fail to urge upon them the necessity of fleeing 



48 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

to Him for safety, and shall any perish when such 
rich provision has been made for their redemption ? 

Tell W- to go on to know the Lord and try to 

serve Him, and do all the good he can. No mat- 
ter what object is presented, if it is good, let 

us go at it with all our might. Tell D and 

E, and E and A to seek the Lord 

now. They cannot do it too young, they will 
never regret it, and it will be a matter of joy to 
them through eternity." 

To a niece, of whose recent Ifopeful conversion 
he had been informed, he thus exoresses his 
warm sympathy and solicitude : — 

" I assure you I can rejoice with you, and I have 
wished every day since your letter came, to be in 
Newark, and sing one of our favorite songs, with 
the chorus, ' I '11 praise Him ' with you all. Now 
you can estimate real happiness. Oh ! how en- 
teresting is that plan of salvation which gives the 
most comfort when we feel most like poor sinners, 
which cheers us with the blessed hope, that 
although we now mourn over our sins and imper- 
fections, and especially over those which are known 
only to ourselves and our God — our secret sins — 
we may anticipate the period when freed from 
all these, we shall be perfectly happy in the pre- 
sence of that Redeemer, whom ' having not seen 
we love/ And what infinite pleasure it will create 
to be with Him, who so loved us as to come into 



REJOICING WITH THE NEWLY CONVERTED 49 

our world, and after obeying the law for us, also 
to die for us. Surely we ought to love and serve 
Him as long as we live. Our anxious enquiry 
ought to be every hour, * Lord, what tailt Thou have 
me to do ? ' How shall I best promote Thy glory, 
and exhibit Thy praise to all around me ? 

" I have frequently thought of the case of Paul. 
As soon as he found peace in Christ, he was 
anxiously desirous to do something, and it seems 
natural (if anything in religion is so) for one to 
ask, * what shall I do for God ? ' as soon as they 
trust in His mercy and behold the glory and safety 
of the gospel scheme. 

" You will find much trouble from a wicked heart ; 
from wicked thoughts, and a proneness to wander 
from God and seek comfort somewhere else. The 
wicked One will try all his arts to draw you from 
your confidence. But would you subdue your 
own heart and will, and bring your afFections into 
subjection to the will of God, the only means by 
which you can hope to accomplish this, are reading 
with deep attention the sacred truths of the Bible, 
and ardent prayer to God. And in attending 
to these duties, we should make them our busi- 
ness, and they should under no circumstances be 
neglected. 

COUNSELS TO A CONVERT. 

" I have had some sad experience on this subject. 
How often have I been left to mourn the absence 

5 



50 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

of the consolations which are found in religion, 
because I had not used the means to obtain those 
consolations ! Do not live as cold and formal as I 
do, or as anybody else does ; but take the example 
of the Saviour, and whatever or however others do, 
try to set others an example. You have just begun 
to live ; now see how much good you can do. Do 
not sit still and mourn over a sin, and imperfection, 
and complain that you can do nothing. Mark the 
words of the apostle John, ' If any man sin, we 
have an Advocate with the Father.' Let us leave 
our salvation with our Advocate, who is all-pre- 
valent, and strive against sin, and do good to 
all. But why need I thus advise you? I had 
better admonish myself. How far short of these 
directions, found in the last will and testament 
of our Master, does my practice come ! As this is 
written in great haste, you must excuse its desul- 
tory character, and believe me 

Your affectionate Uncle, 

James C. Crane." 

ALL CHRISTIANS MINISTERS. 

To a nephew pondering the question of devoting 
his life to the work of the Gospel ministry, he 
writes as follows: — 

My Dear A . 



I suppose, ere this, you have concluded either to 
commence preparation for the ministry, or to content 
yourself with moving in a more humble sphere of 



ALL CHRISTIANS MINISTERS 51 

action. Whatever your conclusions may be on 
this subject, I hope you are not less desirous to 
do all you can for the salvation of sinners and 
the glory of God, but that these desires are rather 
growing and increasing. But what shall I say? 
I should be glad to see you useful, and if you are 
impressed with the idea that you ought to warn 
sinners publicly, and proclaim the unsearchable 
riches of Christ to a dying world, I feel no hesi- 
tation in saying that you ought to do so. * * * * * 

If, however, the obstacles in the way are such 
as to deter you from pursuing this course, you 
can find objects enough in which to engage and 
make yourself useful. Temperance societies, Sun- 
day schools, Tract and all Benevolent operations 
of the present day, are to be pushed forward by 
the exertions of Christians, and these are doing 
much under the blessing of the great Head of 
the church, toward the accomplishment of the 
promises and prophecies relating to 'the latter day 
glory;' and what an honor it is to be permitted to 
be 'co-workers together with God!' How inter- 
esting the thought, that we may be the means of 
.bringing sinners to trust in the glorious Redeemer, 
and be prepared for usefulness in this world, and 
happiness in another. But I must conclude, as 
you know I always write in a hurry. 

Affectionately, etc. 

AFFLICTIONS, 

In 1832, there was severe and protracted sickness 



52 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

in his family, several of its members being brought 
near to death, and one of his sons carried to the 
grave. After speaking, in a letter to Ins sister, of his 
anxiety and fatigue, he continues : — 

" But I have spent time enough in giving you a 
tale of woe. The Lord has been rich in mercy to- 
ward us through it all, and I hope I can pray that 
these afflictions may be sanctified to us. He has 
taken away one of our little ones ; but He gave, and 
in depriving us of this source of comfort and happi- 
ness, has done what is right. We are so short- 
sighted, that we cannot perceive how " all things 
work together for our good." But our faith should 
rest on the word and promise of our best friend — 
our God. How pleasant to reflect, in the midst of 
affliction, and when surrounded by disease, that not 
a sparrow falls to the ground without our Heavenly 
Father's notice, and that he exercises a watch over 
us. Who would exchange the confidence and privi- 
leges of the Christian for all the world can afford ? 
Well might the poet sing, while contemplating the 
hope of the Christian, both as regards the present 
world and the future, — 

'A hope so much divine 
May trials well endure.' 

But, alas ! with such a hope, — with promises em- 
anating from the Great God, — with consolations the 
value of which this world will never unfold to us, my 
rebellious, ungrateful heart, wanders from God. I 



SINNERS CONVERTED. 53 

find myself discontented and unhappy, and not tin- 
frequently, ere I am aware of it, I am asking, Why 
all this affliction ? Why all these trials ? May the 
Lord preserve me from a murmuring spirit ! " 

SINNERS CONVERTED WHEN CHRISTIANS ARE 
DEVOUT. 

In a letter written during a season of spiritual de- 
clension, we find the following just and appropriate 
reflections : — 

* We keep up our meetings, but they are all for- 
mal, and very little like what they ought to be. Our 
Sunday schools are in a tolerably good condition, but 
there are no additions to any of our churches. The 
reason, no doubt, is, that Christians are worldly, and 
cold, and inactive. Careless sinners seldom feel, 
unless a revival takes place among those who profess 
to understand the value of souls and the love of 
Jesus. The Saviour, no doubt, intended that Chris- 
tians should be active and instrumental in the salva- 
tion of sinners, when He said, 'Ye are the light of 
the world ! ' * Ye are the salt of the earth ! ' Oar lives 
and conduct should be a practical comment on the 
truth of the Gospel. We ought to reprove others by 
our example and influence, as well as by our profes- 
sion. I think, sometimes, I ought to abandon the 
cause of God, unless I could give better evidence 
that I am sincere. Oh ! how shall we feel when, on 
a dying bed, we look back on the past, and forward 
to the bar of God ? We shall then wonder that we 
5* 



54 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

could have felt such a deep interest in the vanities 
of the world, and so little for the souls of poor sin- 
ners and for the glory of our Divine Master, who 
loved us and died for us. We repay His love and 
compassion with coldness and ingratitude such as 
would destroy the regard and friendship of our best 
earthly friends. How forcibly does Newton express 
my feelings sometimes : — 

1 If I love, why am I thus ? 
Why this dull and lifeless frame V H 

SYMPATHY WITH THE BEREAVED. 

In 1846, upon the death of a beloved niece — Mrs. 
C. Woodruff — two years younger than himself, who 
had been the household companion of his boyhood, 
he thus writes : — 

" What shall I say ? I do most deeply sympathize 
with all of you, and this language is too feeble to 
express my feelings. I am carried back to the 
scenes of childhood, and many interesting incidents, 
which had quite faded from my memory, have, by 
this event, been revived. I remember the fond at- 
tachments of bygone days, the school lessons, the 
singing, the visits to the house of God when we were 
young, the conversations on the subject of religion, 
the parting scenes when I first left home, the joy of 
meeting on my first return, — all sweetened by fra- 
ternal affection; sincere and uninterrupted. And 
then, too, the letters which during the first years of 
our separation, ere we were both engrossed with 



SYMPATHY WITH THE BEREAVED. 55 

other cares, which passed between us. A dozen 
sheets would not suffice to record the rem- 
iniscences with which my mind is crowded. 
But why dwell on them? All, all is past. Yet 
there is to me a sweetness even in the recollection, 
and these reflections are the more pleasant, because 
of the even tenor of her feelings and the kind 
aflectionateness of manner in which, I may say 
it now, she excelled all of us. But she is gone, 
and I can scarcely realize that I shall never see 
her again. I would not chide your tears, but rather 
mingle mine with them. I still rejoice that our 
loss is her eternal gain. On this point I should 
have been as well satisfied without dying testimony 
as with it, knowing that the life of the Christian 
is that which makes the character, and while I 
would not undervalue the dying evidence — nay 
rejoice in it — yet it is more consoling to retro- 
spect the life, to ' mark the perfect man and behold 
the upright/ in regard to dear departed friends, 
assured that perfection (I do not mean sinless) 
and uprightness in life, have the promise of a 
peaceful end. 

SYMPATHY WITH THE BEREAVED. 

I know not what consolations to offer, nor do I 
feel that you need any beyond those which you 
already possess. You well know that our Father 
is a present — yes, ' a present help in time of 
trouble.' Her bereaved husband, also, knows by 



5Q MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

experience, that 'like as a father pities his child- 
ren, so the Lord pities those that fear Him/ 
Indeed in this case I feel that I am one of you, 
and though time and distance has separated us, 
yet I suffer with you. But let us remember that 
this is one of the ' all things ' which ' work together 
for good to them that love God.' ####■# 

" For the dear children I feel deeply. They 
have lost a pious, prudent and affectionate mother, 
and they will longer feel the loss than the rest; 
but a mother's prayers will not be in vain, and I 
pray God a mother's example will not be lost to 
them* * * ##%%^ r %" 

REFLECTIONS IN SICKNESS. 

While confined to his house by illness of several 
weeks' duration, in 1849, he relates the spiritual 
exercises of his soul, and the consolations he expe- 
riences, in these words : — 

« # # # # if the Lord designs anything more for 
me to do, He will give me health and strength to 
perform it; and if not, I desire to be submissive. 
I wish I could feel entirely so. * * * We are as 
we always have been, greatly blessed ; indeed these 
light afflictions are probably our richest blessings, 
if we only could realize it. 

During my confinement, I have been led to 
consider, as ordinarily the bustle of worldly busi- 
ness gives me little chance to do, and I have found 
great reason to condemn myself. I have found 



BEREAVEMENTS. 67 

that my heart is deeply depraved, my will stubborn 
and unresigned, my affections fixed on the world, my 
passions and evil habits hard to control ; in short, all, 
all polluted, — hopelessly so, — so far as any effort of 
my own is available. I certainly was never more 
fully convinced of my own depravity. If I have any 
hope, it is only in an almighty Saviour. If saved at 
all, it must be ' all of grace/ — free, unmerited, sover- 
eign grace. # # # # Sometimes I rejoice in 
the hope of the Gospel, and I think I could always 
rejoice in it, if I was not so unworthy, for surely it is 
worthy of all confidence and joy. The blessed Sa- 
viour is ' the Chief among ten thousand, and alto- 
gether lovely/ whether my hard and insensible heart 
will admire and love Him or not. He is worthy of 
all affection and honor, and implicit obedience, how- 
ever feebly I may appreciate His excellences or fail 
cheerfully to acknowledge and submit to Him. * * 
# * I think I can say, however, that my affliction 
has not been entirely lost upon me ; and I really feel 
that it is the desire of my heart, more in retirement 
to enjoy the comforts of religion, than in the more 
active duties in the service of the Lord/' 

BEREAVEMENTS 

The spiritual graces of the Christian are disciplined 
by affliction, as well as tested by prosperity. We 
have seen in what spirit Mr. Crane responded to the 
favoring providences of the Lord. We have now to 
contemplate him as subject to some of the saddest 



58 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

trials that can befall man. During the last six years 
of his life, his domestic afflictions were very severe. 

His sons, as might be expected from such training 
as we have described, gave high promise of becoming 
honorable, influential and useful members of society. 
From their youth, they were admired as manly, 
healthful, intelligent and exemplary lads. Rev. Mr. 
Taylor says of them : — "With these boys I was inti- 
mate from infancy, and never have I known more 
striking and beautiful exemplifications of the influ- 
ence of proper religious training." 

THOMAS RUST CRANE. 

In 1849, the third son, Thomas Rust, in the nine- 
teenth year of his age, actively engaged in business 
as a clerk in a hardware store, exhibited symptoms 
of that subtle and fatal disease, consumption. In a 
few months, it completed its insidious work. On the 
2d of June, 1850, the afflicted father thus writes : — 

" To-day I am in the house, which is unusual on 
the Lord's day, with the corpse of our dear Thomas, 
awaiting the hour of burial. He has been, as you 
know, lingering for more than a year, and yesterday 
morning he was released from his pains and suffer- 
ing. We have good reason to hope that he is in the 
enjoyment of those ! pleasures which are at the right 
hand of God ; of that fulness of joy which is in His 
presence for evermore.' 

He never talked much ; but for more than a month 



ROBERT SEMPLE CRANE 59 

past has given satisfactory evidence of preparation, 
and with a full and frequently expressed conviction 
that he must soon die, he has been resigned and 
composed. An hour before he died, he told me his 
mind was easy, and that he could willingly trust all 
in the hands of Jesus. His last moments were spent 
in prayer, and the last words he was heard to utter, a 
few moments before his death, were, — ' O Lord, 
receive my spirit, for Christ's sake, not my own/ 
Though his sufferings were very severe, he never 
murmured, but said, ' All is right/ 

. He is gone, and we deeply feel his loss, but desire 
to be resigned. I cannot now write more. 

I received the paper containing the notice of Dan- 
iel's death, and should have written, but all our feel- 
ings and interest have been engrossed with Thomas. 

Give my love to E . I deeply sympathize with 

her, and hope she will enjoy the consolations of our 
holy religion, which is adapted to our afflictions." 

Even in his own deep grief, he .does not fail to 
commend the sustaining consolations of the Gospel 
to other mourners. 

On the same day upon which the above was writ- 
ten, the family lot in Hollywood Cemetery opened 
its first grave. 

ROBERT SEMPLE CRANE. 

In 1852, his fourth son, Robert Semple, was seized 
by the same fearful malady. Parental solicitude and 



60 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE 

medical wisdom suggested a voyage to South Ame- 
rica, in the hope of arresting the disease. The 
parents parted with their boy, to meet him no more 
on earth. He died on the return voyage, February 3, 
1853, and his remains are among the dead which, at 
last, " the sea must give up." His well marked Bible, 
— his mother's gift, — and his diary during the pas- 
sage home, gave consolatory evidence that, through 
faith in his Redeemer, he had gained the victory over 
death. 

His parents parted with him with mournful appre- 
hensions, as the following extracts from a letter, writ- 
ten Oct. 28, 1852, evince: — 

" We have been quite sad. Within the last ten days 
Robert's voice has entirely failed, so that he cannot 
speak above a whisper. After a good deal of anxiety 
in regard to its propriety, he has left, this week, on a sea 
voyage to Rio Janeiro, to be absent all winter. We 
hope it may benefit him ; but we are not free from 
apprehension that we may never see him more. He 
is in the Lord's hands, and we desire to be resigned 
to His will, for that is best." 

Three days before the death of this son, while he 
was far distant on the broad ocean, he thus expresses 
his hope of meeting him : — 

" I expect to leave for New Orleans next Monday, 
if the Lord will. I hope to meet Robert there, 
though we have not heard from him since he left." 



JAMES TAYLOR CRANE 61 

The vessel reached its port in due time, but the 
body of his son had been left behind, in the deep 
sea. 

JAMES TAYLOR CRANE. 

Before the death of his brothers, the second son, 
James Taylor, was stricken by the insatiable archer. 
He lingered longer than the others ; but the skill of 
physicians, the prayers of parents, the influence of 
southern journeys, availed not. He was in New 
Orleans when the intelligence of his brother's death 
reached him, and he returned home to die. He had 
been for several years a consistent and active mem- 
ber of the church, and was admired and sincerely 
loved by a wide circle of friends. 

During his illness, under date of August 20, 1853, 
his father thus pours out his sorrows and his consola- 
tions in a letter to a nephew : — 

* I cannot leave home, on account of James T. 
He is now very feeble, only able to walk across the 
room, and requires constant attention. His voice is 
nearly gone. He can only whisper, and his frame is 
emaciated so that he has no strength. He is fully 
aware of his condition, and entirely resigned. We 
know not how long he is to suffer, but we desire to 
be submissive and patient. I sometimes feel that my 
afflictions are greater than I can bear. My own 
health, I know, has suffered by my nervous weak- 
ness, induced by what we have suffered. 

For four years we have been looking upon our 
6 



62 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

dying children ; and while I know it is all right, 
and hope I can sometimes feel submissive and en- 
tirely resigned, yet the trial is a severe one. We 
loved our boys, and had reason to love them ; and to 
see them stricken down by hopeless and lingering 
disease, just as they come to manhood, and our fond- 
est hopes in regard to them are about to be realized, 
is an affliction from which I pray you may be deliv- 
ered. There are, however, sources of consolation. 
The Lord has, we have good reason to believe, pre- 
pared them for the change ; and I sometimes feel, 
when I see the sons of others become profligate and 
vicious, that ours are blessings, after all." 

On the 16th of September, in the city of Baltimore, 
where the family were temporarily residing, this son 
clasped the hand of a dear friend who bent over him, 
in both of his, and whispering, " I cannot talk much, 
but all is well" fell asleep in Jesus. 

DAVID ROPER CRANE. 

Sorrow upon sorrow rolled their bitter waves over 
the hearts of the bereaved parents. Their eldest son, 
David Roper — partner with his father, and for the 
last few years his successor in business — gave evi- 
dence that he, too, had been summoned by the same 
rapacious destroyer to join his brothers in the grave. 
He had manifested, in business and as a member of 
the church, all his father's energy and consecration, 
united with most winning amiability, meekness and 



TRIALS AND CONSOLATIONS 63 

constancy. To human scrutiny, he seemed almost 
without a fault. Nor was his nature a merely pas- 
sive one : he was active, energetic, persevering, in 
whatever he undertook. 

Simultaneously with this son's decline, the cough 
and the fever began to weaken the father s frame, 
and together they calmly walked down into the val- 
ley of the shadow of death. 

TRIALS AND CONSOLATIONS. 

In December, 1853, Brother Crane thus wrote: — 

"'I know what it is to pass wearisome, sleepless 
nights, and days of nervous anxiety, prostration of 
body, and, added to all, depression of mind. What 
can we do, after all, but trust in the Lord ? He is 
our only source of comfort. I have been sometimes 
greatly depressed, in view of the vileness and de- 
pravity of my own heart. Oh! how frequently I 
have felt the force of that language, — " Lord, I am 
vile ! " It seems to me that even sovereign grace 
can scarcely meet such a case as mine, — so much 
ingratitude and murmuring. But then the love of 
Christ is so great, and the Father so loved us as to 
give Him to die, and He, while we were yet sinners, 
gave His life a ransom for us ! It is all a wonder of 
mercy, incomprehensible to us poor blind mortals, but 
rich, unspeakably rich, and I must trust in the Sa- 
viour. Oh, that I could love him as I ought! I 
desire so to look to Him, that all other objects shall 
vanish away. « None but Jesus can do helpless sin- 



64 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

ners good.' ' He is the Chief among ten thousand, 
and altogether lovely;' and sometimes I feel as 
though I can cheerfully trust all in His hands, and 
rejoice. We can glorify our Lord more by a quiet, 
submissive spirit under suffering, than in any other 
way. And then, too, if we are in Christ, we may, 
with the great Apostle, ' reckon that the sufferings of 
this present time are not worthy to be compared with 
the glory that shall be revealed/ Of that glory we 
know nothing now, but we shall know. Job said : — 
' Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him ; ' and 
what else could he do? where else could he trust? 
And where now can a guilty sinner go, but to Him 
* whose blood cleanseth from all sin ? ' 

" Sometimes, when I think of these precious truths, 
I feel like exclaiming : — 

( Begone, unbelief, my Saviour is near, 
And for my relief, will shortly appear.' 

" I have written much more than I expected. I may 
never see you again in this world, but I have a hope 
that we shall meet again in the Christian's final 
home. ,, 

IN AIKEN, s. c. 

The winter of 1854 was passed by Mr. Crane and 
his son David, in Aiken, S. C, in the hope that its 
climate might prove beneficial. The following are 
extracts from a letter written thence January 3d, 
1854: — 



IN AIKEN, S. C. G5 

« # # # One great difficulty with us is, that we 
are all the time- looking at ourselves and trusting to 
ourselves for comfort. We often mourn over our own 
depravity, vileness and unworthiness, and allow our- 
selves to be depressed and distressed, forgetting that 
the Saviour was provided for just such depraved, vile 
and unworthy sinners as we are. That is His glory, 
— thanks to God for it, — Jesus came not to save the 
righteous, but the lost. # ^ # # He noiv says, as 
when on earth, ' Come unto me all ye that labor and 
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' ' Him 
that cometh unto me, I will in nowise cast out/ Now 
what can I do ? — 

1 A guilty, weak, and helpless worm, 

On Thy kind arms I fall : 
Be Thou my strength and righteousness, 
My Saviour, and my all/ 

" "Will such a kind Saviour, after making such prom- 
ises, let me perish? No ! Begone such unbelief! I 
will rejoice in such love and mercy, whether saved or 
not. I will fall at His feet, and adoring say : — 

' Here, Lord, I give myself away; 
'Tis all that I can do.' 

" I cannot refuse to confide all my interests in the 
hands of such a Saviour. # # # # We can 
have no other hope : we want no other. I have 
been trying to look away from myself. I am tired 
and disgusted with myself, — such a poor, wicked, 
helpless sinner. I wish to leave myself in the hands 
6 # 



66 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

of the Saviour, and then contemplate His love and 
the multitude of blessings I have received, until my 
heart is full of love and gratitude to him, — so full 
that I cannot withhold the praise of joyful lips and 
the labor of willing hands to promote His glory." 

In the spring, father and son returned home, to 
arrange their business, and to die. 

While at the Red Sulphur Springs, in August, 
1854, mourning his own bereavements, and from a 
blissful experience of the consolations he commends 
to others, he thus condoles with a correspondent upon 
the loss of a father : — 

« # # # J j very deeply sympathize with you, 
and if it was in my power, would gladly try to com- 
fort you. But vain are all the helps which man can 
afford. The wound is beyond his reach ; and while 
the sympathy of loved relatives and kind friends is 
grateful to the lacerated heart, as I know well in my 
sad experience, yet only One can administer suitable 
comfort. Thanks to the grace of the Gospel, ' there 
is a balm for every wound,' and a never-failing, 
always-present, cheerfully willing friend to apply it." 

October 28th, 1854, he writes to his niece : — 

« # # # # i am very anxious to see you all ; 
but the probabilities are that I shall never visit New- 
ark again. I am only living now by the day. I know 
not how soon or how suddenly I may be called. I 



LAST LETTER. G7 

often think of those lines of Dr. Watts which your 
mother taught me in my childhood, and which we 
sung so much when you was a child : — 

* I am not concerned to know,' etc. 

I wish I could divest myself of too much concern 
for the future. My desire is to leave all in the hands 
of Him without whose knowledge 'not a sparrow 
falls to the ground.' " 

On the 2d of July, 1855, in the 30th year of his 
age, his son David calmly bade farewell to the dear 
ones that pressed around him, commended his young 
wife to trust confidingly in God, committed his babe 
to its mother's pious training and its Heavenly 
Father's care, and softly murmuring, " Accepted in 
the Beloved," breathed out his spirit and entered 
upon his rest. 

LAST LETTER 

The last letter we have seen from the pen of 
Brother Crane, was written the week after this ter- 
rible trial, and dated Huguenot Springs, July 10, 
1855: — 

"My dear M : 

" Your letter and C ; s were received last Sun- 
day. I have been anxious to write you every day 
since dear David was taken from us; but I could not 
write ; and even now I know not how to control my 
feelings enough to attempt it. But I must give you 
a few lines. 



G8 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

" David had been declining from the very day 
A and C saw him, more rapidly than be- 
fore. He would, however, so far rally, a day or 
two, as to seem better than before. Week before 
last, he insisted on coming to the city. # # # 
His mother went out and brought him in, [from 
his father-in-law's residence, six miles from Rich- 
mond.] He told me he had but little time to live, 
and wished to come to Richmond once more ; 
and Julia [David's wife] tells me, since his death, 
that he wished to die in Richmond. # # # # On 
Monday, about one o'clock, I saw that he was going. 
I was greatly overcome, and after two or three fail- 
ures, I went to him, took his hand, and asked him to 
look at me, and if he knew me perfectly. He re- 
plied, ' Yes, father.' 

" I said, — ' Is your trust now all in Jesus Christ as 
the only Saviour ? ' 

" He promptly replied, — ' Only in Christ. I am 
ready ! ' And raising his eyes, he said, } Accepted in 
the Beloved ! ! ' 

" I was overcome, and all burst into tears. He con- 
tinued to converse as much as he could, bade his 
mother and myself good bye, repeatedly told Julia 
[his wife] to trust in the Lord, to bring his babe up 
for the Lord. He was perfectly conscious, and the 
last words we could understand were, ' The will of 
the Lord ! ' 

" On Tuesday his remains were taken to the church, 
where a large congregation was assembled, and 
thence to Hollywood, to rest beside our other loved 



SHADOWS. GO 

ones, until the trump shall call them from sleep to an 
immortality where there is no sickness nor death." 



SHADOWS. 

Brother Crane was conscious that his own pilgrimage 
on earth was now nearly over. He talked frequently 
and calmly of his approaching departure, and deliber- 
ately arranged and closed up all his worldly affairs. 
During the last few weeks of his life, he sufTered as 
few men have ever suffered. Day and night he sat 
in a chair, with his head bowed over on a frame be- 
fore him, unable to lie, recline or sit erect. Yet no 
murmur escaped his lips. His confidence in the wis- 
dom and benevolence of God's dispensation toward 
him, was firm and unwavering. He conversed freely 
and constantly with all who came into his dying 
chamber, exhorting the impenitent to seek Christ, 
and the pious to strive after greater holiness and 
usefulness. He renounced all dependence upon his 
own upright life and beneficent labors, and looked 
for acceptance only as a poor sinner, relying alone on 
the righteousness and advocacy of Jesus Christ. He 
looked back over his life, and while grateful for what 
grace had prompted and strengthened him to* do, re* 
nounced, in direct and emphatic terms, all reliance 
upon his good works as a ground of hope of salva- 
tion. " None but Jesus ! " none but Jesus ! ! " was the 
prevailing tone of his conversation. Not transported 
with raptures, yet he was not depressed by fears or 
doubts of his acceptance with God. 



70 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

A friend said to him, a few hours before he died : 
— " Brother Crane, in looking over your past life, do 
you see anything in its general course that you would 
change, if you could ? " 

He remained silent, thoughtful, for a few moments, 
and, raising his head, replied : — " As to its main cur- 
rent, No!!" 

What a beautiful tribute, uttered in the honest 
hour of death, to a life early consecrated and faith- 
fully devoted to the service of Christ ! 

DYING IN CHRIST. > 

On the 31st day of March, 1856, in the 53d year 
of his age, breathing a blessing upon his faithful wife 
and only surviving child, — a lad some twelve years 
old, — and whispering, after severe paroxysms of 
pain, " Kind friends ! " " Kind Redeemer ! ! " "I can 
trust Him IV* " Come, Lord Jesus ! ! ! " he was re- 
leased from his fearful sufferings, and welcomed to 
his everlasting repose. 

FUNERAL. 

A vast concourse of friends and citizens, crowding 
the spacious edifice of the First Baptist Church, at- 
tended his funeral, and in the services, pastors of the 
Baptist, Presbyterian and Episcopal churches parti- 
cipated. Those who had known him longest and 
most intimately, spoke most warmly and tearfully in 
his praise. 

" Let there be no parade of drums or arms about 



FUNERAL. 71 

my grave," said he to his pastor, a few days before 
he died, as a military funeral was passing his win- 
dow, but let Christians sing there the hymn : — 

■ Jesus, Lover of my soul/ " 

This request was not forgotten, and with tremu- 
lous voices and tearful eyes, the people of God 
chanted this hopeful requiem, while the evening 
shadows of the holly and the pine quivered over the 
coffin and the grave. 

A tall granite shaft, erected by "The Richmond 
Fire Association," — an Insurance Company, — of 
which he was the President at his death, marks the 
spot where his dust reposes, upon which is engraven 
the text from which his funeral sermon was preached, 
— "Thou shalt be missed, for thy seat will be 
empty" 

But his more lasting epitaph is inscribed in 
the hearts that loved him, and. in the influences 
for good which he originated on earth, and 
which will follow him as an everlasting reward in 
heaven. 

" Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, for 
they rest from their labors, and their works do follow 
them? 1 

We have thus attempted to sketch the life and 
characteristics of a christian merchant. As completely 
as in any life we have ever known, the conduct and 
spirit of James C. Crane illustrated the idea which 
this phrase conveys. He was, in the loftiest sense, 



72 MEMOIR OF JAMES C, ORANE. 

an honest and an honorable man ; he was a devout 
communicant in the church of Christ, and he was 
more than all this, — in the prosecution of his secular 
business, as well as in his social and ecclesiastical re- 
lations, he was controlled by pious principles, imbued 
with a pious spirit, and wrought for pious ends. 

MORE THAN AN HONEST MAN. 

If his life is a worthy illustration of this idea, then 
a christian merchant is more than an honest man. 

It is but faint praise — negative and sterile — 
to commend one for simple honesty. It is merely 
saying that he will not defraud a neighbor, nor take 
an unfair advantage of any man's ignorance or 
need. 

It is rather a sad evidence of the depravity of the 
race, that strict uprightness in business transactions 
should be deemed worthy of peculiar laudation. 
"What is a man, if not honest? There are no words 
in any language that describe characteristics of the 
human heart and conduct intermediate between 
honesty and dishonesty, nor can we conceive of such 
characteristics, except in infants and idiots. Every 
sane person is in character either honest or dishonest. 
He cannot be neither the one nor the other. And 
men pronounce a bitter satire upon their race when 
they admiringly quote the familiar line, — 

" An honest man's the noblest work of God." 

We should be sorry to believe that honest men are 



HONESTY, NEGATIVE. 73 

so scarce as to warrant such special and enthusiastic 
eulogy. This would imply that the masses of man- 
kind were perfidious ; that duplicity was the general 
law of conduct, and probity the exception. 

HONESTY, NEGATIVE. 

Dishonesty, when uniform, is imposture ; when 
occasional, is knavery; when projecting great gain, 
is scoundrelism ; when taking little advantages, is 
meanness. When we say of a man that he is hon- 
est, then, we mean that he is not guilty of any such 
wrongs against his fellow-men. And if such prac- 
tices render one positively base and criminal, then to 
refrain from them deserves no particular praise. The 
honesty of which so many boast, as though it were 
equivalent to piety, is, after all, only a negative 
quality — the abstaining from positive wrong. 

This same honesty has been eulogized entirely 
beyond its merits. There is but a low hedge, easily 
surmounted, between the realms of rectitude and 
fraud ; and if he who leaps over is censurable and 
guilty, then he who simply maintains his proper 
place on the right side, deserves all the praise that a 
firm and uniform resistance to temptation warrants, 
and no more. 

You do not express peculiar admiration of a gen- 
tleman's character because he passes out of your hall 
without stealing your coat, or finds a lost pocket-book 
and restores it to the owner. What is there, then, so 
peculiarly admirable in a tradesman's character if we 
7 



74 MEMOIR OF JAMES C CRANE. 

can say of him that he would not deceive or defraud 
a customer ? Does a man illustrate all the virtues 
because he will not lie or cheat? But if he did 
either, he would forfeit all our confidence and 
respect, and prove himself unprincipled and vicious. 
What less can we say of a man worthy of any 
esteem and regard, than that he is honest and truth- 
ful ? The mildest negation set before such adjectives 
is severe censure and condemnation. There is a 
wider space than this between vice and excellency 
in virtue. 

NO PIETY WITHOUT INTEGRITY. 

A christian merchant is an honest man, of course. 
Piety without integrity is a contradiction, necessary 
and direct. Whatever may be " the customs of 
trade," — whatever profits a loose morality might 
accumulate, a christian man will not deceive nor 
defraud another, — will not defile his own soul by 
falsehood or false representations, — will not suffer 
any man to deceive himself in traffic with him. He 
will be scrupulously honorable and fair in his deal- 
ings with men. If he is not this, he has no right to 
write Christian before his name. And all this is his 
least excellency. 

A CHRISTIAN MERCHANT. 

There is more implied in this phrase than that a 
man is a communicant in a christian church, atten- 
tive, interested and consistent in his observance 



WORK SUPERADDED TO EMOTIONS. 75 

of all that ecclesiastical " common law " requires. 
There is a " common law " in our churches which 
differs widely from the statute law, coded in the 
Holy Oracles — a sort of public sentiment which is 
satisfied with a lower measure of consecration than 
the Scriptures demand. It tolerates mere subjective 
propriety; and he whose life expresses simply a 
negative goodness, fulfils the conditions upon which 
church fellowship is accorded. It is content with 
quiescence and passive conformity. He who attends 
with decent regularity upon the services of the sanc- 
tuary, — who does nothing palpably wrong, may, 
from youth to old age, maintain a creditable member- 
ship in a church. 

WORK SUPERADDED TO EMOTIONS. 

But the man whose character we delineate is a 
Christian of altogether another type. He makes 
the Word of God, and not the examples of men — 
even of pious men — the rule of his life. He 
comprehends that Christianity requires activities as 
well as consistencies ; that piety is obedience, as well 
as submission ; work, as well as experience. As he 
understands the word, piety is more than pardon, and 
peace and hope more than prayer and praise and 
communion — more than refraining from wrong and 
abstaining from the very " appearance of evil." It is 
"work," "labor," "'self-denial," "sacrifice." There 
are "strongholds" to be pulled down, and a "living 
temple " to be erected ; " wicked works " to be de- 



76 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

stroyed, and a " kingdom " to be extended. There is a 
"race" to be "run," a "warfare" to be accomplished, 
a " course" to be fulfilled. There are the " hungered " 
to feed, the "thirsty" to give drink, the "stranger" 
to take in, the " naked " to clothe, the " sick " to com- 
fort, the "prisoner" to visit He sees that, if he per- 
form not such duties, he will be rejected of Jesus at 
the judgment. 

BIBLE WORDS. 

The words found in the Bible, descriptive of chris- 
tian duties, are such as these: — "Do," "Work," 
" Labor," " Exercise," " Serve," " Strive," " Perform," 
" Convert," " Finish." The spirit in which such 
activities are to be employed is portrayed by such 
terms as these : — " Zealous," '* "Watchful," "Dili- 
gent," " Fervent," " Vigilant," " Not weary," " Perse- 
vere," " Hold out to the end," " Steadfast," " En- 
dure." 

With such words sparkling upon every page of 
Holy Writ, how can a true disciple of Jesus be satis- 
fied with mere inactive consistency ? How can he 
be content with doing no harm, when it is essential 
to his vocation to do good ? The end of his calling 
is, not his own comfort nor enjoyment, nor even sal- 
vation, but the glorifying of God, by the activities of 
a pious life. A true christian life consists, not simply 
in integrity and consistency, — not merely in formali- 
ties and regularities, — not only in emotions and ex- 
perience, — not alone in praying and singing and 
communing ; but in energies, in labors, in sacrifices, 



PIOUS PRINCIPLES. 77 

—an doing good everyday, — in improving all oppor- 
tunities of usefulness, — in doing, "whether ye eat 
or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of 
God." 

A christian merchant, then, we conceive to be one 
who aims to govern his whole life and business 
according to pious principles, in a pious spirit, and for 
pious ends. 

By the term pious, in such a connection, we mean 
having reference to the will and pleasure of God. 

pious PRINCIPLES. 

The principles have regard to the character of 
his business, as well as to the general character of 
his life. Is the trade or traffic in which he is engaged 
right in itself, — in accordance with God's Word, — 
in harmony with the true interests and well-being of 
humanity? The christian tradesman must start 
there. It must be his fixed purpose and plan of life 
to engage in no business that is hostile to God's will, 
or in conflict with the purity and welfare of his kind. 
His conscience must be satisfied that his business is 
positively such as his Maker and Judge will approve, 
— as is adapted to promote the comfort, well-being 
or allowable enjoyments of his fellow-men; such 
that he may, with an approving conscience, pray 
for its prosperity; such that its vigorous prose- 
cution shall promote the common good of mankind. 
If it have not these features and tendencies, a chris- 
tian man has no right to engage in it. 
7 # 



78 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

A RIGHT BUSINESS. 

A pious man cannot, therefore, in consistency with 
the principles by which he professes to be governed, 
conduct a gambling-house, a distillery, or a dram- 
shop. He cannot pray that he may be prosperous in 
any such traffic, for he cannot but be conscious that 
the more it is enlarged, the more his fellow-men are 
injured and depraved. All such modes of support 
he will firmly decline, as tending rather to the glory 
of the devil than to the glory of God. 

But as God is glorified in His providential govern- 
ment by whatever tends to promote the welfare, 
comfort, or innocent enjoyments of His creatures ; as 
even the luxuries of life illustrate the bounty and 
munificence of the Creator ; as He has crowded the 
earth with even superfluities, to enhance the happi- 
ness of man, in all His works superadding beauty to 
mere utility, — so the devout child of God may work 
in unison with his Maker. He may paint a picture, 
cultivate a garden of flowers, manufacture elegant 
ornaments, as well as make a shoe or sew a coat, or 
plant a tree, and feel that he is operating in harmony 
with the omnipotent Worker, from whose hand are 
perpetually distributed things of beauty, as well as 
things of use. 

Being satisfied that his business is right in itself, 
the christian tradesman will conduct it in conformity 
with scriptural principles. He will not permit him- 
self to do anything that is dishonorable, or deceptive, 
or fraudulent. He will rather lose a bargain than 



A PIOUS SPIRIT. 79 

leave a stain on his conscience, a bitter memory in 
his heart, or a sense of self-debasement upon his 
soul. 

A PIOUS SPIRIT. 

The christian merchant, in his intercourse with his 
fellow-men, will seek to evince that he is controlled 
by & pious spirit. He will seek to illustrate the graces 
of Christianity in the counting-house and the market- 
place as really as in the church. He will exhibit as 
sweet and attractive exemplifications of piety in his 
business as in his family prayers. It is amid the 
jostling throng of the store and the street, in contact 
and collision w T ith stirring men, that Christians find 
opportunities for self-discipline, and for the exercise 
of forbearance, charity, meekness, humility, kindness 
and good- will. If these graces are not cultivated 
amid the grinding business of life, they will be culti- 
vated nowhere. There are but few occasions 
wherein they may be exercised in the sanctuary, the 
prayer-meeting, or the closet. Wrong affections and 
evil passions are not excited in connection with 
formal religious observances, but they are in the 
collisions of traffic; and, consequently, it is just here 
that they are to be suppressed and crucified, and the 
opposite graces to be educated. If this culture and 
exemplification of the christian virtues be not prac- 
tised in connection with the ordinary business of life, 
they will scarcely be practised anywhere. This is 
the very place for their application ; there is, compa- 
ratively, but little room or occasion for them else- 



80 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

whore. No man can be godless on 'Change and 
godly at home, — a saint at churchy and a sinner at 
the warehouse. The true christian temper and spirit 
are most gracefully revealed when most severely 
tried. As the colors of the rainbow are reflected 
brightest from the blackest cloud, so the christian 
graces shine out most beautifully when most directly 
contrasted with the selfishness and depravity of 
men. 

PIOUS ENDS. 

The christian merchant, too, in all his business, 
will keep pious ends in view. One of these ends, as 
already intimated, will be the spiritual discipline of 
his own soul. He can " grow in grace " only by ex- 
ercising his graces ; and this exercise is to be secured 
only in actual contact and conflict with the world. 
Hence all the passing events of life he will seek to 
make contributory to the cultivation of the christian 
virtues. He will be constantly learning how to resist 
temptation, how to repress evil passions, how to sub- 
due wrong affections, how to educate forbearance, 
forgetfulness, charity and meekness. If this be kept 
in view as one of the ends of the struggles of life, 
nothing can transpire that will not conduce to his 
spirituality. 

A GODLY EXAMPLE 

Another end to be steadfastly pursued, is the 
exemplifying of the christian spirit before men, for 
their sokes. The devout man, by illustrating the 



A GODLY EXAMINE. 81 

excellencies of piety in his daily life, commends the 
religion he professes to the faith and love of all be- 
holders. He exhibits to them what piety effects in 
moulding human character. His " light so shines 
before men, that they may be led to glorify God." 
The true-hearted Christian can reveal the influence 
of his piety as sweetly at work as at worship, — in a 
bargain as in a prayer, — in weaving or in selling 
jeans as in chanting psalms. The worldly do not 
merely need to hear how piety prays and preaches 
and sings ; they need to see how it labors and trades 
and talks in every-day affairs, in the family and in 
social life. The sincere Christian will be anxious to 
show them that. He will propose to himself, as an 
end of living, that men shall see, every day, how 
character is formed and conduct controlled; how 
asperities are smoothed and evil is repressed; and 
how every winning grace is cherished under the in- 
fluence of a practical Christianity. 

Still another godly end, to be kept steadily in view 
by the Christian in his ordinary business, is, that he 
may make it the means of imparting spiritual benefits. 
Business brings him into contact with men. By 
conducting it in accordance with christian principles, 
he secures their confidence, and thus gains access to 
them and influence over them. He has thus oppor- 
tunities for commending the Gospel of Christ directly 
to them. The word of an upright christian trades- 
man may often sink deeper into the heart, and make 
a more salutary and permanent impression, than an 
eloquent sermon. Why should not such an influ- 



82 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

ence be sought and exercised, as one end of his 
business relations, by every Christian? 

POSITIVE BENEFICENCE. 

And then, again, by the accumulations of business, 
he may help forward all the blessed charities of the 
church of Christ. How far should one toil and trade 
with this very end in view ? " Laboring," said St. 
Paul, " with your own hands, that you may have to 
give to him that needeth." Here we are required to 
labor with the definite purpose of giving away the 
proceeds ; to consecrate the accumulations of toil to 
objects of benevolence. The pious merchant may 
thus carry on his business with the explicit design of 
making money to bestow in charity. How such an 
end sanctifies labor, infuses an element of positive 
piety into all the drudgery of trade and handicraft, 
and holds the glorifying of God in view as the main 
purpose of life ! Such a principle generally adopted 
and regarded by Christians, would soon adorn the 
whole earth with blessed charities. 

PURPOSE GIVES CHARACTER TO LIFE. 

There can be no piety in any observance or per- 
formance in which these elements are wanting. If 
there be not pious principle, a pious spirit, and a pious 
end, then no ceremony or service can be acceptable 
to God. Without these, the knee may be bent in 
the attitude of devotion, and words of solemn sound 
may fall from the lip, but there is no prayer without 



TESTIMONIALS. 83 

these : a choir or congregation may chant the words of 
an inspired psalm, but there is no praise. The want 
of these elements leaves every act of seeming worship 
to sink into a mere ft bodily exercise, that profiteth 
nothing." And, on the other hand, the infusion of 
these elements into the commonest labors of life, 
raises them from mere worldly ploddings, and gives 
them a character of sanctity and devotion. Thus it is 
clear that there may be piety in ploughing, and none 
in praying. There may be acceptable and devout 
worship in the market-place, the warehouse and the 
workshop, and there may be nothing but selfishness 
and worldliness in the sanctuary itself. We may 
glorify God in our daily work, and we may displease 
Him in our Sabbath worship. 

TESTIMONIALS. 

The following spontaneous testimonials to the 
excellencies of Mr. Crane's character, the purity of 
his heart, and the beneficence of his life, may prove 
interesting to the reader, and allay any appre- 
hension that this sketch is merely the flattering 
eulogy of a too partial friend. 

Rev. Dr. Hoge, pastor of the Second Presbyterian 
Church in Richmond, long acquainted with him, and 
a boarder with him in the same dwelling where he 
died, made an address following the funeral ser- 
mon, of which we find this report in the " True 
Union " : — 

" Seldom have I witnessed such a life and such a 
death-bed scene. Yes, dear brother, thou art missed 



84 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

from the toils and enjoyments of human life, and 
thy place among loving friends, in the church and in 
society, will never more be filled; but thou art not 
missed among the ransomed in heaven ; thou holdest 
a place there which never can be empty. Memory 
fails here to recall the exact language of Dr. Hoge's 
beautiful and touching apostrophe, containing an 
allusion to the probable joyful reunion of father and 
sons in a world where all the mysteries of human 
life had already been explained. He went on to 
speak of the frequent conversations with him which 
he had been, from his residence in the same house, 
and occupying an adjoining room, enabled to hold. 
He spoke of the deep humility and entire trust in 
atoning blood, which these conversations manifested. 
He mentioned that, on one occasion, on going into 
his room, Mr. C. said that he had been in great dark- 
ness ; his life had passed in review before him, and 
he felt that he had been so unfaithful, he had lived 
to so little purpose. He was burdened with doubts 
until the thought struck him, But Jesus came not to 
call the righteous, but sinners. That just suited him ; 
he was just the person, a poor sinner. From that 
thought new comfort sprung up, — his doubts vanished, 
and he was rilled with peace. Any Christian, Mr. 
Hoge observed, could realize how one so devoted 
and efficient could have such feelings of self-abnega- 
tion. As one grows in grace, so he sinks in self- 
esteem. If we could take any satisfaction in any 
merit of our own, we should be less disposed to ren- 
der all the praise to the glory of His grace. 



TESTIMONIALS. 55 

" Dr. Hoge continued his remarks with an allusion 
to Mr. C/s sufferings and his christian-like patience, 
and remarked that, never had he been so disposed 
to arraign the Divine goodness as when he saw him 
endure, without a murmuring word, a degree of suf- 
fering the sight of which almost made him stagger. 
He could in no way reconcile it with his preconcep- 
tions of that benevolence, thus to afflict one so excel- 
lent, but by regarding this as a trial state, and these 
sufferings as a discipline for everlasting joy. He 
said that once only he heard him exclaim, with 
something like. impatience, f What shall I do?' He 
replied, ' Do nothing, my brother, but commit your- 
self unto Him who has done all things for you/ 
Immediately he was answered by a fervent pressure 
of the hand he held, and all was calm. 

" '■ You would like, he continued, ' to hear some of 
his last words. After several paroxysms of suffer- 
ing, he suddenly straightened himself, and collecting 
all his energies about him, said, in faltering tones, 
" Kind friends, kind Redeemer, all is well.' " 

" He concluded his remarks by a touching refer- 
ence to the surviving relatives of the deceased, 
alluded to the sleepless care of the devoted wife, 
and bespoke the sympathies and prayers of the 
people for her, and their friendship for the remaining 
son, a child of 12 years, — 'for/ said he, 'he is the 
only son of his mother, and she is a widow/ 

" Deep feeling thrilled through the audience as he 
closed. Indeed, the whole congregation — even 
men — were moved to tears during both addresses/' 



86 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

Rev. Dr. Woodbridge, rector of an Episcopal 
church in Richmond, said at the grave : — 

" He had long known and esteemed the beloved 
brother whose remains were now to' be gathered 
to its kindred dust, as a devoted fellow-laborer in the 
cause of the Redeemer ; and when, yesterday, he 
heard that he was gone, he felt much as a soldier on 
the field of battle, who turns to find his beloved 
comrade fallen by his side." 

Rev. Dr. Fuller, of Baltimore, in a communica- 
tion to a religious paper, speaks of him in these 
terms : — 

" A sad bereavement has visited the churches of 
Christ in Richmond, in Virginia, and throughout the 
land. James C. Crane has been removed from the 
scene of earthly labor to the rest which remains for 
the people of God. That insidious disease which 
had almost desolated his household was, at last, 
commissioned by inscrutable wisdom to prostrate his 
beloved form, and has laid him low. The bereaved 
mother, whom he had consoled as child after child 
fell beneath the " insatiate archer," is now widowed 
in heart and home ; and the only remaining child 
is orphaned of a father's (and such a father's) guar- 
dian care. To them the loss is irreparable ; and 
gladly would I seek to infuse comfort into their 
bosoms, but that their grief is too sacred to be pub- 
licly intruded upon. I may, however, speak of the 



TESTIMONIALS 87 

affliction to the churches ; for this is no common 
calamity. 

" Brother Crane was endowed with an intellect of 
great power. In judgment, in capacity for all busi- • 
ness, in energy, in indefatigable endurance of patient 
labor, in clear discrimination of truth, in a penetra- 
tion which no sophistry could elude, — in all these 
elements, where is the man who may be called his 
superior? And these mental gifts were all conse- 
crated to Jesus. As a Superintendent of the Sunday 
school, he stood preeminent and alone. In the 
church, his wisdom and experience were unsur- 
passed, age and experience finding his counsels of 
unspeakable worth. In every emergency, all turned 
instinctively to him, and never turned in vain. 

" But the greatness of his mind was transcended by 
the virtues of hia heart. Firmness, in him, was com- 
bined with gentleness and tenderness. It was not 
the hardness of the rock, but the uprightness of the 
oak, which bends without losing its elastic and re- 
hounding vigor. No one could look into his face and 
not feel the generous warmth of his character. As 
a father, a husband, a brother, a friend, he was all 
sincerity, truth and love. His passions were strong, 
but were under the most conscientious government. 
He looked down upon everything mean and vile with 
a feeling which would have been contempt had it 
not been tempered with pity. He felt injuries 
keenly, but forgave almost in the very moment 
when injury was felt. The grace of God had so 
softened and sanctified his nature, that he was inca- 



S3 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

pable of malice or revenge ; and peace, and charity, 
and good will to all, pervaded his entire being. 

" I mourn for him as for a most dear and honored 

• brother; but I know the grief is selfish. He is with 

Jesus ; and we ought to weep, not for him, but for 

ourselves, who are still exposed to the sorrows and 

sins from which he is emancipated forever. 

" His disease was protracted, and his sufferings 
severe ; but his faith was immovable. He-fell asleep, 
whispering, ' I can trust Him ;' * I am ready ;' 
* Come, come, come/ 

" Such examples were not given us to be lost, but 
to be copied and multiplied. * Let me die the death 
of the righteous, and let my last end be like his/ 

"R F." 

Rev. Dr. Stowe, of Boston, in a letter of sympathy 
and condolence to Mr. William Crane, of Baltimore, 
thus expresses his sense of his piety and useful- 
ness: — 

" Boston, April 12, 1856. 
"My dear brother, — 

" I learn from the ' True Union/ of the 10th inst, 
that your excellent brother, James C. Crane, of Rich- 
mond, has finished his earthly mission and entered 
his heavenly home. My heart felt the intelligence, 
for I had long known him, and cherished for him an 
affectionate esteem. Most cordially could I accept 
the estimate of his worth as sketched by the Rev. 
Dr. Fuller. I loved him as a man, in whose mental 
structure were no unsound timbers, and none out of 
a due proportion. He was a whole man, true and 



TESTIMONIALS. 89 

noble, combining the two rarely-united excellencies, 
beauty and strength. I loved him as a Christian, in 
whom were conspicuous all the graces that enter 
into the composition of a well-adjusted, harmonious 
religious character. He was one who added to his 
faith virtue, and the whole series of excellencies, 
terminating in the crowning quality — love. But I 
admired him especially as an earnest Christian. I 
have seen him in numerous places, and under a 
great variety of circumstances, and all his develop- 
ments have made upon me, definitely and deeply, 
the impression that his religion was a principle ; that 
his love for the kingdom of Christ was a passion ; 
that the whole machinery of his nature was moved 
by hidden forces of great power ; and that he found 
his chief happiness in vigorous exertion for the glory 
of his Master and the good of his race. He was 
eminently a working Christian. Others may have 
given more money than he ; but few men have given 
the same amount of gratuitous personal service. 
Warmly, earnestly unweariedly, he put his hand to 
the work, and by the force of example, as well as 
by the stirring persuasions of his lips, he induced 
others to become co-laborers. If exceeded by some 
in the extent of the lines of apparent influence, he 
was unsurpassed by any as to the power with which 
he filled his own circle, flinging life into every part, 
and touching every accessible spring of activity. 
Most appropriately did his pastor represent him as 
one that will be missed. I can understand that his 
removal must be a loss to the First Church, — to 
8* 



90 MEMOIR OF JAMES C. CRANE. 

Richmond, — to Virginia. It is a loss to the great 
christian brotherhood. That vacancy will not be 
easily filled. 

" I am glad to see the intimation that a memoir of 
the beloved brother will be prepared, ' with a view 
to delineate the character and responsibilities of the 
christian merchant.' Boston has furnished one such 
exhibition, in her Nathaniel R. Cobb ; New York an- 
other, in her Garratt N. Bleecker; Richmond can 
now supply hers, in James C. Crane, who, differing 
from the others, was a man of the same largeness of 
heart, and the same consecration to the great end of 
his being. 

u I know that you, my dear brother, must keenly 
feel this bereavement. You have my heart's tender 
sympathy, and the assurance of my prayers that God 
will strengthen you to bear the affliction, and sanctify 
it to your advancement in the divine life, and your 
meetness for the rest that awaits you. When you 
and I first became acquainted, we were young. 
Thirty-three years have turned our shadows far 
round the semicircle, and now those shadows are 
rapidly lengthening. I need not exhort you to work 
while it is day; but I may say, Let us work on 
patiently, ever ready for the summons that shall ter- 
minate our earthly service, and introduce us to the 
rewards of rich, free, sovereign grace. 
" With affectionate sympathy, 

" Your brother and fellow-laborer, 

" Baron Stowe. 

" William Crane, Esq., Baltimore, Md." 



1ST O "W irie^id-^i 



A MANUAL OF THEOLOGY. 

By J, L, DAGG, D. D., 
One volume, octavo. 379 pages. Price $1.50. 

Third Edition. 

" The want has long heen felt of a manual of theology adapted to the in- 
struction of that large and rapidly increasing class — lay preachers, Sabbath 
school teachers, colporteurs, young ministers who are thrust into the work 
without time or means for more extensive study, in short, intelligent Chris- 
tians who have neither the time nor taste for protracted investigation. 
This book seems to us — after a careful examination — better suited to sup- 
ply this want than any other we are acquainted with. 

" While, doubtless, on some minor points many pious theologians may dif- 
fer from Dr. Dagg, 3'et he has here given in brief compass, a solid, scrip- 
tural, and able vindication of those doctrines dear to millions of Christian 
hearts — 'the doctrines of grace.' His theology — while calling no man 
master, and relying on God's Word alone for proof — is decidedly Calvinis- 
tic. The existence, perfections, and providence of God, and the great 
truths of human depravity, and Divine sovereignty in the election, redemp- 
tion, calling, eanctification and salvation of his people, by God — the 
Father, Son and Holy Spirit — are forcibly set forth and defended against 
objections. 

44 He has not attempted in the least to give a history of doctrines, or to for- 
tify his views by a single quotation from human authority. His appeal is to 
the Bible, and the necessary brevity of his work has prevented him from 
noticing at length all the texts relied upon, or giving a thorough criticism of 
disputed texts. They are in great measure only referred to, and the re- 
sults of careful study are laid before the reader, instead of a parade of the 
author's learning. The style is clear, unadorned, and yet not dry, but even 
at times eloquent. A spirit of humble submission to God's declarations 
pervades the work, and, unlike most treatises on theology, it is devotional 
and practical, as well as doctrinal." — Christian Keview, Oct. 



PUBLISHED BY THE 

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BOWEFS' CENTRAL AFRICA. 



" A Christian Missionary Explorer is the Hero of the World."— [National 
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ADVENTURES AND MISSIONARY LABORS IN SEVE- 
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from 1849 to 1856. By Rev. T. J. Bowen. Price $1. Sent 
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""We learn that the very remarkable and interesting volume of African 
adventures and explorations, by that Christian Hero, Kcv. T. J. Bowen, is 
steadily winning its way to attention and acceptance, and ve find by our 
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ested in the state, condition, and prospects of the continent of the colored 
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all readers for larger and more elaborate reports of explorations that have 
not yet reached us~." 

Harper's Magazine for September, in its book notices, says of this 
volume : — " With great modesty of statement, Mr. Bowen, an energetic and 
intelligent missionary of the Baptist Board, here contributes his quota to our 
rapidly increasing stock of African knowledge. He describes, for the first 
time, several important places in the interior, and presents ample details 
with regard to the religion, languages, and social customs of the natives. 
His book furnishes a trustworthy authority and is of undoubted wJue to 
the Ethnological student." 

The New York Observer of August 20th, says : 

" The adventures and missionary labors in seven. 1 countries* m the inte- 
rior of Africa, from 1849 to lSatf, by T. J. Bowen, hftve Already been pub- 
lished in several successive editions, showing the interest they have awak- 
ened. They abound in statistics of great value, in information respecting 
the climate, soil, resources, and capacities of the country, its population and 
their manners and customs, the slave-trade, the miseries of the people, their 
need of the gospel and the influence of civilization, and all these things are 
so graphically port aved, as to win the reader's fixed attention while he ob- 
tains important knowledge of the interior of this almost unknown conti- 
nent. Some of Mr. Bowen's statements are so remarkable as to be re- 
ceived with profound astonishment ; and so were J)r. Livingston's, and so 
are the reports of all the travellers who have explored any part of Central 
Africa. w 

" This book is of rare interest. It is thrilling as a work of travels, and 
possesses double value in the estimation of the philanthropist who would 
see Ethiopia stretch out her hands, and a whole continent regenerated."— 
Louisville Journal. 

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